Range: |
Found in the Peloncillos and Animas Mountains of Hidalgo County |
Other Names: |
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Subspecies: |
New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake Crotalus willardi obscurus |
Description: |
15-25.5". Gray above with whitish crossbars edged with dark brown or black; crossbars merge with color on sides. A ridge contours the snout. Scales keeled. Young sometimes have have a bright yellow tail. |
Similar Species: |
The pronounced canthal ridge and unique facial pattern will distinguish this from any other rattlesnake in New Mexico. |
Venom: |
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Habitat: |
Montane canyons. |
Behavior: |
Young will use their bright yellow tail as a caudal lure. Generally secretive. They are more likely to rattle and try to escape than coil and strike. They will dive deep into talus, but continue to rattle. |
Hibernation: |
Known to hibernate in talus slides 40-46 cm deep. They will come to the surface to bask in 6-9 °C (shade) and 26 °C(sun) |
Reproduction: |
Live bearing; 2-9 young born July-September. |
Diet: |
Eats small mammals, birds, lizards, scorpions, centipedes and insects. |