Even This Expert Wrangler Is Stunned by the Massive Rattlesnake He Finds in a Yard

It takes a lot to impress expert snake wranglers but the snake in this clip manages to do it! Hidden behind an urn in an ornate garden, there is a magnificent red diamond rattlesnake. Whilst the snake is apparently ‘just chilling’ the homeowner sounds pretty freaked out! It’s almost impossible to see the snake it is so well camouflaged. However, there’s no mistaking the telltale rattle sound as the snake is disturbed. The tricky part is working out where the snake’s head is so that it can be lifted correctly. Eventually, the snake is extracted but is not very cooperative when it comes to getting into the plastic container! Hopefully, it was located somewhere peaceful where it would not be disturbed.

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Where Do Red Diamond Rattlesnakes Normally Live?

The scientific name for red diamond rattlesnakes is Crotalus ruber and they are a native species of Southern California. They can be spotted in San Bernadino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, Imperial, and San Diego counties. In Baja California, they are found from the US border throughout the peninsula.

Their preferred habitats are desert or coastal scrublands as well as pine-oak woods, tropical deciduous forests, and chaparral. However, as you can see from this clip, they are also sometimes found in grasslands and cultivated areas. Some studies have indicated that these guys prefer to avoid developed areas and do not like crossing roads! The individual in this clip was willing to hang out in an ornate garden.

How Do Red Diamond Rattlesnakes Normally Behave?  

This individual was not too impressed by being disturbed! In general, they tend to avoid severe heat and are more active when temperatures are cooler. This makes them nocturnal through the warmer months but diurnal during the cooler part of the year. You are most likely to spot them above ground between April and June. They are agile snakes and can climb into low bushes and trees as well as move efficiently across the ground.

These guys are usually peaceful and are not known to be highly aggressive. As we hear in this clip, they rattle if they are approached but they usually remain quiet and hidden. If they are provoked, however, they will coil and strike. Their venom is not as toxic as some of the other large American rattlesnakes. Nevertheless, their bite is potentially dangerous and in some cases can be fatal. If you are bitten by one of these snakes you should seek medical attention straight away.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Creeping Things/Shutterstock.com