Mojave Rattlesnake
Crotalus scutulatus
Habitat & Movement
The Mojave rattlesnake lives in the Mojave Desert of California, the extreme western part of Texas, and Southern Nevada to Puebla, near the southern edge of the Mexican plateau. The Mojave Rattler uses the "serpentine" movement pattern, which fits it because they have to stay straight and long to be moving around the desert floor and past cacti and into holes.
Venom Type & Outcome of Bites
The mojave rattlesnake has a very potent venom which is considered ten times more toxic than other North American rattlesnakes, a fact that makes the Mojave rattlesnake one of the most dangerous poisonous snakes in the United States. Their venom works as a neurotoxin and is called Mojave toxin. Strangely, the bite of a Mojave Rattlesnake is usually not as painful or as large as other rattlesnake bites. Since the Mojave does have a neurotoxic venom, it attacks your nervous system, shutting down many, if not all, body functions and makes it very hard to get treatment in time.
Preferred Weather & Diet
The Mojave Rattlesnake lives mainly in the high desert and lower mountain slopes, so it prefers warmer weather, to keep its body temperature regulated. Just like every other snake that lives in the desert, they eat the normal diet like rats and other small rodents.