Reptiles
Tiger Rattlesnake
Crotalus tigris · also called tiger rattlesnakes
Coiled quietly among rocky Arizona foothills, a tiger rattlesnake shows little of the defensive intensity many people expect from a rattlesnake, its calm temperament a poor match for venom that ranks among the most potent of any rattlesnake species by weight.
Overview
The tiger rattlesnake, Crotalus tigris, is a venomous snake native to rocky desert and foothill habitat across Arizona and northern Mexico. Its unusually potent venom relative to its small head size, paired with a generally mild-mannered temperament, make it one of the more physiologically striking contradictions among North American rattlesnakes.
Small head, serious venom
Where venom potency in rattlesnakes often scales roughly with the size of the head and glands producing it, the tiger rattlesnake breaks that pattern entirely, packing genuinely serious toxicity into a comparatively modest and mild-tempered package.
Status
Least Concern — widespread and stable across suitable rocky desert and foothill habitat throughout Arizona and northern Mexico.
Tiger Rattlesnake: common questions
Is the tiger rattlesnake's venom really that dangerous?
Yes, the tiger rattlesnake produces venom considered among the most toxic of any rattlesnake species by weight, a potency notable given the species carries a comparatively small head and venom gland compared with several larger, more heavily built rattlesnake relatives.
Is the tiger rattlesnake aggressive?
No, despite its potent venom, the tiger rattlesnake is generally considered mild-mannered and less inclined to strike readily than some other rattlesnake species, though it should still be treated with the same caution and respect given to any venomous snake if encountered.
Why is it called the tiger rattlesnake?
A tiger rattlesnake displays faint, narrow crossbands along its body, a subtle striped pattern reminiscent of tiger stripes, which gave the species its common name despite the pattern being considerably more understated than the bold striping of an actual tiger.
Where does the tiger rattlesnake live?
The tiger rattlesnake is native to rocky desert and mountain foothill habitat across Arizona and northern Mexico, generally favouring rugged terrain within its warm, arid range.