Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Description:

4 foot long. Iconic diamond pattern on it's back. One of the most venomous snakes in the US. Said to be very aggressive, this one seemed very passive, though I didn't try to push my luck. Was able to slither over the pine needles and dead leaves without making a noise. A truly brilliant predator.

Habitat:

Bandelier National Monument, a mixture of desert, and forest, and river type habitats. Said to be a very uncommon place because so many ecosystems "mingle" here.

Notes:

First time ever seeing a rattle snake in the wild.