Description[change | change source]
Most Black-tailed Rattlesnakes grow to the length of 76 to 107 centimetres (30 to 42 inches). They can be as long as 125 to 129.5 centimetres (49.2 to 51.0 inches). Females are said to be larger than males.
The Black-tailed Rattlesnake is olive green, yellow, brown, or black in color. They are called the "Black-tailed Rattlesnake" because of their tail which is the color of black. Like other rattlesnakes the Black-tailed Rattlesnake has a rattle on the end of its tail, but its rattle is weak and can be broken. They can shed their skin several times a year.
Common Names[change | change source]
The Black-tailed Rattlesnake is also called the "Green Rattler", the "Dog-faced Rattlesnake", and the "Mountain Diamondback".
Where they live[change | change source]
The Black-tailed Rattlesnake is found in southwestern United States of America and Mexico. In the U.S.A it is found in Arizona, New Mexico, and west and central Texas, in Mexico it is found in Oaxaca. It is also found on islands of the Gulf of California, like San Estèban Island and Tiburòn Island.
Behavior[change | change source]
In the spring and fall the Black-tailed Rattlesnake are diurnal, in the summer they are nocturnal so they can avoid the heat, and in the winter they hibernate in other animals dens. Even though they are okay climbers and good swimmers they are terrestrial. They live in grasslands, deserts, mountain areas, and forests.
Feeding[change | change source]
Reproduction[change | change source]
The Black-tailed Rattlesnakes mate in the spring, once they have mated the male stays with the female to stop other males from mating with her. It is in the summer that the female gives birth to her young, the young stay with their mother for around a day or two before leaving by their selves. A female usually mates every year and has 10-12 young at a time. They live for around 15–20 years.