Western Diamond-backed, Northern Mojave and Colorado Desert Sidewinder Rattlesnakes of California

Three species of rattlesnakes, Crotalus genus, that live in California are the Western Diamond-backed, Northern Mojave and Colorado Desert rattlesnakes. These are all venomous and can be dangerous if encountered.

The Western Diamond-backed rattlesnake is reported to be the largest of the rattlesnakes in California and can grow up to 90 inches in length, but generally ranges between 1 to 4 feet. Like other rattlers, it's a pit viper and usually is the color of its habitat, which can range from gray to brown to an olive greenish. As its name implies, it has brown or black diamond shapes on its back. It can regulate the amount of venom it injects into a victim and can even replace broken fangs. Dead snakes can still be dangerous as the fangs can inject venom due to a reflex of the muscles that can make it strike when touched. It won't attack unless provoked or frightened and will rattle its tail first as a warning. During the day, it will hide in animal burrows, under shrubs or under rocks to stay out of the hot sun. It lives in the south east region of California, in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. It prefers dry areas in the mountains or grassy, rocky places as well as the desert.

The Northern Mojave rattler varies between 24 and 51 inches in length and is gray, yellowish, brown or tan in color with black and white rings around its tail. Its territory is in southeastern California from the Colorado River to San Bernardino County to the Mojave Desert and east to the Sierra Mountains. It lives in grassy, rocky hillsides, desert scrub and flatlands of creosote brush. It's been seen in chaparral and even in wooded areas of juniper bushes as well.

One of the most unusual moving snakes is the Colorado Desert Sidewinder, so named because of the way it wriggles in a sideways motion, leaving distinctive 'S' shapes lines in the sand. It's not a very large snake, ranging from 17 to 33 inches, with most snakes averaging about one to two feet in length. It has a small upward facing horn-like protuberance above its eyes and is a light tan, brownish or black color, depending on its habitat. Its coloration tends to follow the environment. Like the other rattlesnakes, it's able to regulate the amount of venom and can also replace its fangs. Its home range is the southeastern part of the state from the south edge of San Bernardino County, west to peninsular ranges and into Baja. It prefers sandy areas with some vegetation, but can also be found in open or rocky areas, especially where creosote bushes grown.

All rattlesnakes will bite if not left alone, so giving them space is best, however, if a snake is encountered and it rattles a warning, you should back away as quickly as possible and give it lots of room.