Risk to life and limb is still significant, as with all rattlesnakes, if not treated as soon as possible after a bite. Venom B, on the other hand, causes pronounced proteolytic and hemorrhagic effects, similar to the bites of other rattlesnake species. Contrary to popular belief, fatalities are uncommon, and this is due to the wide availability of antivenom. In severe cases, skeletal muscle weakness can lead to difficulty breathing and even respiratory failure. Nonetheless, when a significant quantity of venom is delivered, the victim may experience vision abnormalities, difficulty swallowing and speaking. In people bitten by a Mojave rattlesnake with venom A, the onset of serious signs and symptoms is often delayed. The Mojave rattlesnake population has two types of venom Type A and Type B (Some snakes exhibit both types). However, chances for survival are dramatically increased if medical attention is sought as soon as possible after a bite. Subspecies of Mojave rattlesnake have both neurotoxic (affecting the brain and nervous system) and hemotoxic (destroying the muscle and tissues) venom, considered one of the most potentially deadly of all rattlesnakes.
Its venom is about 16 times more toxic than that of the extremely fast sidewinder and surpasses even that of the tiger rattlesnake. The Mojave rattlesnake is considered the world’s most venomous rattlesnake. Mojave rattlesnakes are preyed on by other snakes like the California kingsnake, as well as other mammals and birds of prey. But at the end of the day, the hunter also gets hunted. They are significant predators of lizards and many small rodents, constituting a major part of their diet. They eat mostly toads, birds, mice, rats, and rabbits. Diet The Mojave rattlesnake eats toads, birds, mice, rats, and rabbits.īeing ambush predators, Mojave rattlesnakes are carnivorous. It avoids densely vegetated, hilly, or rocky areas and prefers open, arid habitats and spots with xeric vegetation. Primarily a snake found in high deserts or lower mountain slopes, the Mojave rattlesnake is often located near scrub brush such as creosote and mesquite, lowland areas of sparse vegetation, cactus, grassy plains, or Joshua tree forests. Their range also extends southward through most of Mexico into south Puebla. They’re widely distributed across the southwestern region of the United States in southern California, Nevada, most of Arizona, extreme southwestern Utah, southern New Mexico, and some parts of Texas. Mojave rattlesnakes are frequently found in many other locations in the United States, ranging from California to west Texas and extending to Querétaro in Mexico. Range and HabitatĮven though the Mojave desert is presumed to be the only place you can find this species, that’s very far from the truth. Like other rattlesnakes, they shake their tail and produce a buzzing sound to warn an intruder before striking. So, they strike vigorously to defend themselves when disturbed or threatened. Although known as an aggressive species, they are timid and like to be left alone to go their way. They brumate alone or in small groups during the winter. But on cooler days, they may be seen basking in the sun. They are mainly nocturnal and hide in rodent burrows or under rocks during the day’s heat. Mojave rattlesnakes exhibit certain behaviors in different seasons. Breeding season in this species starts from July through September, when female Mojaves usually bear 2 to 17 (averagely about eight) live young ones. Mojave rattlesnakes are most active from April to September. Although they both have tails with white and black bands, with Mojave rattlesnakes, the white bands are wider than the black bands. The Mojave rattlesnake is sometimes mistaken for the western diamondback rattlesnake because both species have similar dark diamond patterns down the middle of their backs. Because of the green hue found among Mojave rattlesnakes, they are otherwise referred to as “Mojave greens” in some areas. It can be colored shades of greenish-gray to pale green in the higher habitats and brown or yellow hues in the lower habitats.
The color of the Mojave rattlesnake varies depending on the surroundings. 28,068 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz Think You Can? Take Our Brand New A-Z-Animals Snakes Quiz AppearanceĪ Mojave rattlesnake can be identified by its heavy body with a large triangular head and enlarged scales on top of its head between the supraoculars.
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