Crotalus atrox

Crotalus atrox, commonly known as the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, is a venomous snake native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Recognizable by its distinctive diamond-shaped patterns along its back, it can grow up to about 6 feet long. It uses its venom primarily to immobilize and digest prey, which includes small mammals, birds, and reptiles. When threatened, it can rattle its tail as a warning. While bites can be serious, they are rarely fatal thanks to medical advances. The snake plays an important role in controlling pest populations and maintaining ecological balance.