Photo credit:

Dick Bartlett

Common name

Hopi Rattlesnake

Scientific name

Crotalus viridis nuntius

Conservation Status

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Federal and State Protections

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Countries of Occurrence

USA

States or Providence 

Utah, Arizona, New Mexico

Counties

San Juan (UT), Coconino (AZ)

Adult size

23.8in (60cm)

Species Description

This small rattlesnake is named for the Hopi People which share its geographic area. The Hopi often used snakes, including this species, in ceremonial practices. Rattlesnakes were believed to be a blessing of rain and fertility.

It is impossible to visually distinguish the Hopi Rattlesnake from the closely related overlapping subspecies C. v. viridis. However, C. v. nuntius is considerably smaller than its cousin, with adults growing to around 60cm.