Diamondback

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox). Largest rattlesnake in the West; Up to 66" long. We saw this fellow on the way to breakfast (both his and ours).

Responsible for more bites and deaths to humans than any other rattlesnake species in U.S.

Roads are dangerous places for critters. In the time for us to photograph and turn our car around, two more cars came by and ran over him. Some people may be more dangerous than snakes.

From Arizona Game & Fish Department:
"Scientists have identified 36 rattlesnake species. Rattlesnakes live only in North and South America. 13 species live in Arizona, more than any other state.

Rattlesnakes use the "loreal pit," a heat-sensing organ between the nostril and eye to locate prey and potential predators. These snakes have glands that make venom, much like human saliva glands make saliva.

The rattle is made of keratin, the same material found in human hair and fingernails. The age of a rattlesnake cannot be determined by counting the segments of its rattle.

Rattlesnake prey may include small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and centipedes. According to Arizona Poison Centers, less than 1% of rattlesnake bites result in human deaths."

According to me:
"If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.