New+Mexican+Ridge-nosed+Rattlesnake

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By Selena D.

The Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake is very unique. It is only 26 inches long, but has poisonous venom. This snake gets it name from the upturned scales on the top edge of its snout. The Ridge-nosed rattlesnake is usually a pale gray to a gray-brown color. Its back has pale lines on it, and the underside is usually white with mottling of gray. The neck is thin, and the head is big and triangular. In adults, a new rattle section is added each time the snake sheds its skin. This snake hibernates in the cold months of late fall and winter. It usually stays on the ground, but occcasionly will climb onto tree trunks. You can find these snakes in New Mexico and Arizona. This snake uses heat sensing pits to detect its prey. The heat sensing pits are found on each side of its face. It likes to eat lizards, mice, and centipedes. It uses venom injected through long fangs to kill and digest its prey. The Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake mates in the summer. They have a litter of 2-9 young. The young usually have a black or light yellow tail. This snake is mainly threatened because people want their unique snake skin. People hunting these snakes would destroy their habitats, which would threaten the snakes in many ways.