Sidewinder
The sidewinder is commonly found in the desert areas in the southwestern U.S. and its maximum length is 33″. In the U.S. this snake can be found in eastern California, southern Nevada, western Arizona, and southwestern Utah. This venomous pit viper snake prefers to dwell in the desert flatland or sand hammocks.
Its name came from its ability to shift over surfaced by sidewinding, which means the snake utilizes the use of static friction so that it doesn’t slip on soft sandy areas. It’s mainly nocturnal and you can come across one on a road during sundown and midnight during the spring. During the day sidewinders like to hang out underneath bushes or burrows.
The sidewinder has keeled scales that are rough and this feature also helps it accomplish sidewinding movements. Its pointy projections over each eye contribute to one of its nicknames, the horned rattlesnake.
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Mojave Rattlesnake
The Mojave rattlesnake has a huge reputation for being aggressive toward humans and also has very toxic venom. It is physically similar to the Western diamondback but its color has more green shades resulting in the name Mojave greens.
This rattler can be found in southern areas of Utah, Arizona, California, and parts of Texas and it prefers spending time in desert areas that are sandy. Like the sidewinder, it too uses a sidewinding locomotion when needed.
Mojave rattlesnakes can reach up to four feet in length but typically average less than 36 inches. Since this snake has a combo of hemophagic elements and neurotoxin, it is considered even more toxic than Austalia’s well-known tiger snake. When bitten people often underestimate the bite since the wound bleeds less and initially causes less side effects. However, you shouldn’t be deceived by the lack of symptoms right after being bit by a Mohave because if you don’t get help right away you could be in serious trouble.
Interestingly enough the most common anti-venom is based on the venom from this snake and luckily is very effective but must be administered right away.
