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Photo credit:
Dick Bartlett
Common name
Hopi Rattlesnake
Scientific name
Crotalus viridis nuntius
Conservation Status
Federal and State Protections
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.