The Speckled Rattlesnake is fairly common pit viper found in southern California, southern Nevada, western Arizona and south-western Utah and down the Pacific coast into Baja California. A moderate size snake, this animal typically does not exceed 39 inches in length. As with most animals, the Speckled Rattlesnake is a master of disguise and commonly are colored to compliment the surrounding rock. This viper can range from pink, cream, tan or pale blues and grays. This feature I can personally attest to as I witnessed and entire Cub Scout Pack literally step over the specimen photographed below while hiking on a camping trip in the Valley of Fire State Park just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.
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The Speckled Rattlesnake like all pit vipers by sensing its prey utilizing small glands near its eyes which sense thermal energy about 1 meter away. This feature allows the viper to successfully hunt mice, birds, lizards and other small prey animals at night when they are most active. A ground dweller, this little hunter will operate 24 hours a day, adjusting its schedule to the heat of the day and the cooler temperatures at night.
Like all reptiles, the little Speckled Rattlesnake will hibernate during to cold winter months.