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How venomous is the Mojave rattlesnake? You really don't want to find out
Welcome to Snake Week 2025 at Every day from June 23 through June 29, Ultimate Arizona reporter Tiffany Acosta will bring you a new story about Arizona's favorite slithering reptiles. Follow along to learn about coral snakes, whether it's legal to kill snakes in Arizona, the pros and cons of snakes as pets and the absolutely wildest facts about snakes. The Mojave rattlesnake might look like its cousin, the Western diamondback, but don't be fooled. The Mojave rattlesnake packs one of the most potent venoms with a nasty neurotoxic twist that can affect your nervous system. Found mostly in Arizona's northwestern deserts and open grasslands, Mojave rattlesnakes love dry, sunny real estate and often blend into the sand. They're not typically aggressive but will strike if threatened. If you're hiking, watch your step and don't ignore that rattling soundtrack. Here's what to know about the Mojave rattlesnake, one of the most fearsome species in Arizona. Yes, Mojave rattlesnakes are found in Arizona, especially in desert regions across the southern and western parts of the state. They're one of the most common snakes in Arizona, right up there with the Western diamondback rattlesnake and the gopher snake. The Mojave rattlesnake looks a lot like its cousin, the Western diamondback. Here are some differences and similarities: Color: Mojave rattlesnakes are usually greenish-gray to brownish, which has earned them the nickname "Mojave green." Tail bands: One of the best giveaways is that Mojave rattlesnakes have narrow white bands and thicker black bands near the rattle. In contrast, the Western diamondback's tail bands are more evenly spaced. Head shape: Like other rattlesnakes, Mojaves have a triangular head with heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils. Mojave rattlesnakes aren't out to get you. They're generally not aggressive unless provoked, but they can be more defensive than other rattlesnakes, especially during mating season or when cornered. 'Aggression is an individual trait, and it varies. I have encountered Mojave rattlesnakes that didn't rattle or move. Others have been quite defensive and aggressive," said Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager at Arizona Game & Fish Department. "They are relatively large snakes and can put up a fight, if necessary. Also, even though I use the term 'aggressive,' I recognize that what we perceive as aggression is just vigorous defense on their part.' The Mojave rattlesnake is extremely venomous and what makes it especially dangerous is its neurotoxic venom, which can affect the nervous system, leading to difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis and even death if untreated. Some Mojave rattlesnakes also have hemotoxic components in their venom, which damage tissues and blood. Not every Mojave has the same venom mix, though. If you get bitten by a Mojave rattlesnake, it's a medical emergency. Mojaves have one of the most potent venoms in North America. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, vision problems and severe pain and swelling at the bite site. 'Treat it with your cellphone and 911,' said Jones. 'Nothing else. Loosen clothing and remove jewelry on the affected limb, but don't do anything else, no electric shock, no cut-and-suck, no ice, nothing. "Get professional help as quickly as possible.' They are different species, so there are many differences. Here's how Jones explains it: 'Both species have obvious black and white rings just above the rattle. On Mojave rattlesnakes, the black rings are generally narrower than the white rings; on diamondbacks, it's just the opposite, black rings are wider. "Of course, that requires a close look, and that's not a good idea, for obvious reasons.' Jones says you can find Mojave rattlesnakes in all of Arizona below the Mogollon Rim. They roam through grassy plains, scrublands and rocky desert foothills. They prefer dry, open terrain with sparse vegetation, often at elevations between 500 and 5,000 feet. Mojave rattlesnakes blend in with sandy or rocky environments and can be tough to spot until you hear that telltale rattle. Keep your eyes peeled when exploring open desert areas, especially during the warmer months when they're most active. Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Follow @tiffsario on Instagram. Looking for the best things to do in Arizona? Sign up for our newsletter. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What happens if you get bit by a Mojave rattlesnake? It's bad
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Can you kill a rattlesnake in Arizona? Here's what the law says
Welcome to Snake Week 2025 at Every day from June 23 through June 29, Ultimate Arizona reporter Tiffany Acosta will bring you a new story about Arizona's favorite slithering reptiles. Follow along to learn about venomous Mojave rattlesnakes, ultravenomous coral snakes, all the snakes in Arizona that are nonvenomous, the pros and cons of snakes as pets and the absolutely wildest facts about snakes. Think twice before killing that snake. In Arizona, the law might not be on your side. While it's perfectly natural to be startled by a slithering rattlesnake on your hike, it's illegal to kill certain species of rattlesnakes in Arizona. Arizona law protects snakes and regulates or prohibits hunting, collecting or killing some species. Here's what Arizona law says about killing rattlesnakes and other species. Yes, rattlesnakes are protected by law in Arizona. We talked to Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager at Arizona Game & Fish, who told us more about the subject. 'All wildlife is protected in Arizona, technically, and whether one is allowed to collect or to kill wildlife is determined by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. So it's all protected, and protections are eased or added to depending on the species,' Jones said. 'With rattlesnakes and with other wildlife, if the animal presents a danger to people, and in some cases, pets, then one can kill a rattlesnake. We try to discourage that, of course, because there are ways of mitigating that issue.' Jones said that just because a rattlesnake startles you doesn't mean you can kill it. Unless it poses a clear and immediate danger to humans, it's protected by law and should be left alone. It's not illegal to kill a rattlesnake in Arizona, but there are important legal and ethical boundaries. If a rattlesnake poses an immediate threat to you, your family or pets, you're legally allowed to kill it in self-defense. But this doesn't mean you can harm snakes at random while out hiking or working on your property. Seeing a rattlesnake, even if it startles you, is not a justifiable reason to kill it under state law. Some rattlesnake species are further protected by Arizona law, including the Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake, the twin-spotted rattlesnake, the banded rock rattlesnake and the massasauga, Jones said. Harming or killing these snakes can lead to serious consequences, including fines or criminal charges. Arizona also prohibits the wasteful killing of wildlife. And if you have a justifiable reason to kill a snake, you can't use hazardous methods like poison or firearms in unsafe ways, particularly in populated areas. The Arizona Game and Fish Department may impose fines of at least $250 per rattlesnake for killing unprotected species, and up to $8,000 if the snake is a protected species. Repeat offenders face steeper penalties, with fines doubling or tripling after multiple violations. In some cases, you could lose your hunting or fishing privileges. You need a valid Arizona hunting license to legally kill, collect or possess most rattlesnakes. 'There is what's called a bag and possession limit for every hunting license or fishing license," Jones said. "It's the number you can take in a certain day or over the course of the year, and then the number you can keep. For most rattlesnakes, I believe It's four animals per day or in possession. "But again, it doesn't allow you to go out and just kill them.' There is no hunting season for protected rattlesnake species like the ridge-nosed rattlesnake, twin-spotted rattlesnake, massasauga and banded rock rattlesnake. 'They are completely protected and may not be taken even with a hunting license. And those four all live in southeastern Arizona and each of them has a very limited geographic distribution,' said Jones. There's no open season on these species, Jones said, because their limited geographic range means it would be easy to deplete their numbers quickly if people were allowed to collect them. Looking for the ? Sign up for our newsletter. Intentionally running over any snake can be considered animal cruelty under state law. Arizona's animal cruelty statute (A.R.S. § 13-2910) prohibits intentionally, knowingly or recklessly inflicting unnecessary physical injury or death upon any animal. Violations can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the act. Even if the snake is on your property, harming it without legal justification could lead to consequences. However, if a snake poses an immediate threat to human safety or is in a location where it cannot be safely relocated, taking action to protect yourself is legally permissible. In such cases, it's advisable to contact local authorities or wildlife professionals for guidance on safe removal. Shooting a rattlesnake is generally legal in Arizona if you have a valid hunting license and the action is deemed necessary for self-defense or to protect others. 'But certainly people are not allowed to just go out and kill rattlesnakes because they don't like them and they want to kill them,' said Jones. In Arizona, it is illegal to own any venomous snake, including rattlesnakes, coral snakes, cobras and other exotic species. This is to protect public safety and native wildlife. Other reptiles including Gila monsters and Mexican beaded lizards are also illegal to own due to their venomous nature and conservation status. Nonvenomous snakes such as kingsnakes, gopher snakes and rosy boas are generally legal to own as pets, provided they are not protected species and you follow any local city or county regulations. Check with Arizona Game and Fish and your municipality before acquiring a reptile to ensure you're within the law. Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Follow @tiffsario on Instagram. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Can you kill a rattlesnake on your property? What AZ law says
