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Friday, August 29, 2008

Baby Diamondback


Out on the Monte Vista side of Tortugas Mountain this morning, Research Associate Becca and I were enjoying the storm clouds forming over the Organ Mountains, the outflow winds that were cooling us down, and the outstanding vistas created by the cloud shadows.
At times, rained seemed imminent, but we never got wet.
On the way back from our field research, Becca practically touched her nose to the rattle of this baby Western Diamondback, that was just about 12" long.
The snake never reacted, surprising since Diamondbacks are kind of chippy. Closeup of the tiny rattle.
Closeup of the head.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Why were you able to get so close? Was it hybernating?

Matthew said...

Is it true that baby rattlesnakes offer a more lethal bite than adults?

...don't think it was hybernating...probably just waiting for some sunlight to warm up...and a research assistant to tangle with.

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