Southern Pacific Rattlesnake by Ken _Gilliland

DAZ|Studio • Animals • posted on Jul 18, 2025

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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.

Description

Here's another snake from my upcoming Snakes of the World V2. I know this snake well. Several frequent my yard every summer (see 2nd picture) and I was been bitten by one in my youth while bouldering/rock climbing. Obviously, I survived... Fortunately, I surprised the snake has much as it surprised me so very little venom was prepared for that strike in my hand. The bite felt as if I suddenly sprained my thumb. The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is endemic to southwestern California and southward into Baja California, Mexico. It feed primarily on small mammals (including rats, mice, squirrels, voles and rabbits). Adults are 61–139 cm (24–55 inches) in total length (including the tail). The color pattern consists of a pale brown, gray-brown, or yellowish brown ground color overlaid with a series of large, dark brown dorsal blotches that may or may not have pale centers. The blotches are more diamond shaped, and are bordered by light scales. The snake lacks the distinctive white and black striping at the start of the rattle which the Western Diamondback has. This snake is known for its regional variety of dangerous venom types. Some populations have a neurotoxic venom that is very similar to the extremely dangerous "Mojave Green" toxin in the way it attacks the nervous system. Other populations can have hemotoxic and myotoxic venom that is more typical among rattlesnakes and though less dangerous, can still give a fatal bite.