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How venomous is the Mojave rattlesnake? You really don't want to find out
Welcome to Snake Week 2025 at Every day from June 23 through June 29, Ultimate Arizona reporter Tiffany Acosta will bring you a new story about Arizona's favorite slithering reptiles. Follow along to learn about coral snakes, whether it's legal to kill snakes in Arizona, the pros and cons of snakes as pets and the absolutely wildest facts about snakes. The Mojave rattlesnake might look like its cousin, the Western diamondback, but don't be fooled. The Mojave rattlesnake packs one of the most potent venoms with a nasty neurotoxic twist that can affect your nervous system. Found mostly in Arizona's northwestern deserts and open grasslands, Mojave rattlesnakes love dry, sunny real estate and often blend into the sand. They're not typically aggressive but will strike if threatened. If you're hiking, watch your step and don't ignore that rattling soundtrack. Here's what to know about the Mojave rattlesnake, one of the most fearsome species in Arizona. Yes, Mojave rattlesnakes are found in Arizona, especially in desert regions across the southern and western parts of the state. They're one of the most common snakes in Arizona, right up there with the Western diamondback rattlesnake and the gopher snake. The Mojave rattlesnake looks a lot like its cousin, the Western diamondback. Here are some differences and similarities: Color: Mojave rattlesnakes are usually greenish-gray to brownish, which has earned them the nickname "Mojave green." Tail bands: One of the best giveaways is that Mojave rattlesnakes have narrow white bands and thicker black bands near the rattle. In contrast, the Western diamondback's tail bands are more evenly spaced. Head shape: Like other rattlesnakes, Mojaves have a triangular head with heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils. Mojave rattlesnakes aren't out to get you. They're generally not aggressive unless provoked, but they can be more defensive than other rattlesnakes, especially during mating season or when cornered. 'Aggression is an individual trait, and it varies. I have encountered Mojave rattlesnakes that didn't rattle or move. Others have been quite defensive and aggressive," said Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager at Arizona Game & Fish Department. "They are relatively large snakes and can put up a fight, if necessary. Also, even though I use the term 'aggressive,' I recognize that what we perceive as aggression is just vigorous defense on their part.' The Mojave rattlesnake is extremely venomous and what makes it especially dangerous is its neurotoxic venom, which can affect the nervous system, leading to difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis and even death if untreated. Some Mojave rattlesnakes also have hemotoxic components in their venom, which damage tissues and blood. Not every Mojave has the same venom mix, though. If you get bitten by a Mojave rattlesnake, it's a medical emergency. Mojaves have one of the most potent venoms in North America. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, vision problems and severe pain and swelling at the bite site. 'Treat it with your cellphone and 911,' said Jones. 'Nothing else. Loosen clothing and remove jewelry on the affected limb, but don't do anything else, no electric shock, no cut-and-suck, no ice, nothing. "Get professional help as quickly as possible.' They are different species, so there are many differences. Here's how Jones explains it: 'Both species have obvious black and white rings just above the rattle. On Mojave rattlesnakes, the black rings are generally narrower than the white rings; on diamondbacks, it's just the opposite, black rings are wider. "Of course, that requires a close look, and that's not a good idea, for obvious reasons.' Jones says you can find Mojave rattlesnakes in all of Arizona below the Mogollon Rim. They roam through grassy plains, scrublands and rocky desert foothills. They prefer dry, open terrain with sparse vegetation, often at elevations between 500 and 5,000 feet. Mojave rattlesnakes blend in with sandy or rocky environments and can be tough to spot until you hear that telltale rattle. Keep your eyes peeled when exploring open desert areas, especially during the warmer months when they're most active. Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Follow @tiffsario on Instagram. Looking for the best things to do in Arizona? Sign up for our newsletter. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What happens if you get bit by a Mojave rattlesnake? It's bad
Yahoo
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Can a coral snake kill you? What to know about Arizona's most venomous snake
Welcome to Snake Week 2025 at Every day from June 23 through June 29, Ultimate Arizona reporter Tiffany Acosta will bring you a new story about Arizona's favorite slithering reptiles. Follow along to learn about venomous Mojave rattlesnakes, whether it's legal to kill snakes in Arizona, the pros and cons of snakes as pets and the absolutely wildest facts about snakes. With their bold red, yellow and black stripes, Arizona coral snakes look like they are dressed for a venomous Mardi Gras, but don't let their small size fool you. These secretive serpents pack a powerful neurotoxic bite, although they are rarely seen and even less likely to strike. Coral snakes are shy, not aggressive, and prefer slithering under rocks, logs or desert debris, living life undercover. Here is everything to know about coral snakes in Arizona. Arizona coral snakes are venomous, meaning they can inject toxins through a bite. They are not poisonous to the touch. An Arizona coral snake's venom is a powerful neurotoxin that can paralyze muscles and, in theory, stop a person's breathing. But it's a small, reclusive snake with tiny fangs and a timid personality. It rarely bites humans and only if seriously provoked. So while it's the most venomous drop for drop, it's not considered the most dangerous. There has never been a documented death from an Arizona coral snake bite, said Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager at the Arizona Game & Fish Department. 'Sonoran coral snakes (the species found in Arizona) are shy and innocuous. They do not want to bite, they want to hide. And yes, the venom is neurotoxic, but they are small, and can only inject a relatively small amount of venom,' Jones said. 'They will bite if handled. Don't do it. It's not worth the risk. There are other coral snakes elsewhere, like the Eastern coral snake in the southeastern U.S. and coral snakes in the tropics that can, and have, killed humans.' Jones said the term 'deadly' isn't helpful when describing snakes; it's better to focus on how dangerous they are. 'What makes a snake dangerous? Generally, it's behavior, aggressiveness, size, how much venom can it inject at one time and venom components,' Jones said. Coral snakes' venom is neurotoxic, Jones said; it attacks the nervous system. The venom of most rattlesnakes is hemotoxic, which destroys tissue and blood. Some snakes, like the Mojave rattlesnake, have both venom types, making them particularly dangerous. 'Coral snake venom is different than most rattlesnake venoms. There are certainly ways to assess in the laboratory how deadly a venom is, and by that criterion alone, coral snake venom is worse,' Jones said. Bites by venomous snakes may require antivenom. In the extremely unlikely event you are bitten by an Arizona coral snake, seek medical help. The Sonoran Mountain kingsnake is often mistaken for the Arizona coral snake because it has similar red, black and yellow or white banding patterns. These sayings help you tell them apart: Coral snake: Red touches yellow, a venomous fellow. Kingsnake: Red touches black, you are safe from attack. These rhymes aren't foolproof everywhere in the world, but they work well in the United States. Sonoran Mountain kingsnakes mimic coral snakes as a defense mechanism, a strategy called Batesian mimicry, tricking predators into thinking they are dangerous when they are harmless. Jones said the Sonoran shovel-nosed snake, resplendent shovel-nosed snake and ground snakes are sometimes mistaken for coral snakes. Coral snakes lay their eggs in hidden, protected spots, often in early summer, and then leave them to hatch on their own. 'Snakes do not nest. Egg layers, like coral snakes, deposit their eggs in holes in the ground or in leaf litter, mulch, inside dead logs or wherever they find the appropriate microhabitat that will incubate the eggs. They lay eggs and leave,' Jones said. Arizona coral snakes are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they are most active at night or during the early evening and dawn hours, especially in warmer months or after monsoon rain. Avoid their habitat at these times. Coral snake activity depends on the time of year, Jones said: "They can be active during the day in spring or fall, or primarily at night or early morning/late evening in summer, warmer months.' Looking for the ? Sign up for our newsletter. Coral snakes are rarely encountered around homes. 'It is not a snake that generally shows up in yards,' Jones said. 'It's not an issue, so I wouldn't even suggest ways to do this.' No. Coral snakes are shy, reclusive and would much rather slither away than pick a fight. 'They are beautiful and fascinating snakes, and it's always a treat to encounter one in the wild. If you see one, stop and enjoy it,' Jones said. Just don't try to handle it. Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Follow @tiffsario on Instagram. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: This is the most venomous ― and colorful ― snake in Arizona
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
When the families of first responders and veterans need a lifeline, Tunnels to Towers steps in
At Robert Kirsopp's home in Hampton township, his wife, Rosalyn, gives him all the credit. "95% of this house is him," she said. It's a 1960s house they bought as a fixer-upper. From the lounging space to the kitchen walls, Robert left his mark. "He cuts walls, he does base boards, he puts on additions, along with his police job," Rosalyn explained. In his police job, Robert served twenty-five years with the Hampton Township Police Department, retired as a sergeant. Before that, and straight out of high school, Robert served overseas in the Army. His life's work was a labor of love. "(Robert was) dedicated," Rosalyn said. "Dedicated to service, the house, and his family." He now leaves it all to his family. Robert Kirsopp beat stage four colorectal cancer after diagnosis, in 2019, "and then it came back, and it came back with force," said Rosalyn. Colorectal cancer took his life on May 1, 2024. "I was mostly thinking about their future and how I was going to be able to provide for them," She said. "He just wanted us to be ok." By us, she's referring to Robert and Rosalyn's three kids, who are college and high school-aged. Now, the non-profit Tunnel to Towers is taking some of that mental load off the family's shoulders. Tunnel to Towers paid the Kirsopp's mortgage. As a non-profit, it's helping American heroes, since 9/11, by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with children. "Like I said, it was one of disbelief," Rosalyn said. "With the mortgage being paid off, that puts a little bit more ease to it." The Kirsopps are just one of the 200 families nationwide who had their mortgage paid off this year. Now all she feels is gratitude. "They are just so giving and but on the same end, I'm like you, thank you, they're like no thank you," she said. It's a feeling of gratitude for keeping the model police car, Mario Lemieux jersey, and all the memorabilia under the same roof, where Sergeant Kirsopp took his last breath. Also, gratitude for Tunnel to Towers helping a family stay in a house that a warrior made a home. Tunnel to Towers also provides specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured first responders and veterans. You can apply to this nonprofit online. For more information on Tunnel to Towers, click here. You can also join in the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk in Pittsburgh. It's coming up on September 13th at 8:00 AM. To sign up for that event, head to this link.
