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Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Crotalus atrox

OK, I admit it. I wish I had more opportunities to shoot snakes. You simply don't see snakes very often in my part of South Dakota. The best chance is on a warm fall day that's followed a crisp, cool night. Then garter snakes, and sometimes other snakes, will come along roadsides and other barren areas to bask in the sun. However, my photo opportunities have been few and far between. We have spent several vacations in Arizona, and I've likely had more reptile photo opportunities on those trips than I've had in the rest of my life combined. In 2014 we spent the 2nd half of April in the Tucson area, staying at our favorite B&B that's adjacent to the east unit of Saguaro National Park.  It was a great trip for many reasons, include from a photography standpoint.  Here's a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, coiled up and warning us off.  Photo was taken on April 17th, 2014 in the eastern unit of Saguaro National Park.