Northern Blacktailed Rattlesnake

Crotalus molossus

I believe this species to be one of the handsomest rattlers! I usually found these in the mountains along rivers and streams. They often have a gold and chocolate color, although most of the specimens I find here in Greenlee County seem to have a greenish hue.

It has been written that this species is largely unafraid of large animals. I'd have to agree since the only time I've ever been advanced upon by a rattlesnake has been by one of these.

These snakes also live in the desert, and those specimens tend to have a more gray/silver shade.

The specimen in the second photo down has an aberrant pattern. It was found by the renown herpetologist and author Mr. Brian Hubbs.