General Distribution
The Mojave rattlesnake is widely distributed throughout the Mojave and extreme northern
Colorado deserts. It is found from 150 to 1500 m (500 to 5000 ft) in elevation in most desert
habitats, especially desert scrub, desert wash, and Joshua tree, and is most common in
association with creosote. It seems to prefer desert flats over hilly or canyon habitat. This
species is active from April until September (Stebbins 1954, Klauber 1972). Habitat Requirements
The Mojave rattlesnake occurs throughout the Mojave Desert in a variety of
habitats but is most common in scrub communities, especially creosote. It seems to prefer
desert flats or very gentle slopes with few rocks.
The Mojave rattlesnake takes cover in burrows, presumably rodent burrows, as
well as under desert bushes (Woodin 1953, Klauber 1972). Reproduction
Young are live-born in July and August. Litters range 2-11 and average 8
young (Klauber 1972). Daily/Seasonal Activity
This snake is primarily nocturnal, but occasionally is crepuscular. It is
active from April until September. In hot years, it may become inactive in mid-summer and
may, or may not, re-emerge in fall (Stebbins 1954, Klauber 1972). Probably does not migrate. Diet and Foraging
This snake feeds upon rodents (especially Dipodomys), lizards, other snakes,
birds, bird eggs and some insects (Klauber 1972). It forages actively in the open and under
bushes. Territoriality/Home Range
No data available. Predator-Prey Relations
This species is probably taken by kingsnakes, roadrunners, and other avian and
mammalian predators. Literature Cited
Klauber, L. M. 1972. Rattlesnakes: their habits, life histories, and influence on mankind.
2nd ed. Univ. California Press, Berkeley. 1533pp.
Price, A. H. 1982. Crotalus scutulatus. Cat. Am. Amphibians and Reptiles 126.1-126.2.
Stebbins, R. C. 1954. Amphibians and reptiles of western North America. McGraw-Hill,
New York. 536pp.
Woodin, W. H. 1953. Notes on some reptiles of the Huachuca area of southeastern
Arizona. Bull. Chicago Acad. Sci. 9:285-296.
Information gathered from California DFG - California Interagency Wildlife Task Group
