Arizona Black Rattlesnake

The Arizona black rattlesnake is a high-elevation medium-sized (<1,000 mm) rattlesnake found primarily in Arizona and extreme western New Mexico. Adults are dark brown or black in background color, with white- or yellow-edged barker hexagonal blotches. Juveniles are born with a grey background and dark blotches. Arizona black rattlesnakes are typically found in pine-oak woodlands or chaparral habitats. At high elevations, they appear to rely on south, west, or east-facing blocky volcanic outcrops surrounded by talus, to survive freezing winter temperatures. In lower deserts, the species appears restricted to cool, moist drainages, and may favor hibernation locations with northern or western aspects.