Las Cruces, NM Oct. 7, 2008 Wow, what a thrill it was to get to see this snake! It was our last day of our week-long trip to southern New Mexico and we were lamenting that we had hiked 15 miles on 4 different trails and had not seen a single snake. As we were driving down a gravel road after our final hike we spotted this guy (or gal) sunning in the middle of the road. Fortunately, we didn't hit it! I was glad I had my 300mm telephoto lens on my camera at the time! :) These snakes are also called "Coon-tail snakes" due to their black and white striped tails. Rattlesnakes are pit vipers, note the pit on the snake's face. The pits are used to detect heat from warmblooded prey, such as mice or rats.
Munson, FL Dec. 26, 2008 We were excited to see this little (~18", but we didn't want to risk getting bitten trying to find out its actual length) rattlesnake while we were hiking at Blackwater River State Park on the day after Christmas. It was a very warm day and the reptiles were active. This young snake had 2 little buttons on its tail. It didn't seem to have the "rattle thing" down yet, it wiggled its tail down slowly and didn't make any sound.
Homosassa Springs State Park Dec. 2009 This lovely snake has the warning colors to remind predators and people that it is highly venomous. The Scarlet Milk Snake has the same colors, but different banding patterns. It helps to remember the little poems: "Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, friend of Jack", or "Red on Yellow Kills a Fellow, Red on Black, Venom Lack." The milksnakes have red bands touching the black bands.
