NORTHERN BLACK-TAILED RATTLESNAKE

Scientific name: Crotalus molossus molossus

Size

The average size of a mature Northern Black-Tailed Rattlesnake is 2.5 - 4 feet.

Description

The Northern Black-Tailed Rattlesnake is a heavy, thick-bodied snake. Its body color varies and may be greenish, yellow, or grey. The top of the head/nose is usually dark brown or black. Dark, irregular shaped blotches form a pattern along the snake's back. These blotches often have a lighter colored center. The blotches form into a banding pattern as it nears the tail. The tail, as the snakes name suggests, is solid black. The end of the tail has a rattle on it.

The Northern Black-Tailed Rattlesnake has elliptical pupils that look like cat's eyes and like all pit vipers, has a heat-sensing pit between the nostril and eye on each side of its head. The Northern Black-Tailed Rattlesnake has a large, triangular head that is wider than the neck when viewed from above.

Distribution

In the United States, the Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake is found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Map of US states the Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake is found in.
Map does not show area of true distribution, only the states in which there is a population.
Actual distribution in any highlighted state may be limited.

Northern Blacktailed Rattlesnake
Photo used by permission:
© 1997 Glenn McCrea

Northern Blacktailed Rattlesnake
Photo used by permission:
© 1999 Glenn McCrea

For more information on venomous snakes, please see the Venomous Links page.

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