The Mojave Green Rattlesnake: a Neurotoxic Venom
By Gloria Siess {"Garnetbird"}
A deadly venom
All rattlesnakes have venom and should be avoided. However the venom of the Mojave Green rattlesnake is especially toxic as it is a neurotoxin. Neurotoxins invade the body's systems in a highly efficient, rapid manner, causing massive respiratory damage. There are stories of people being bitten by these snakes and fainting on the way to the hospital, never to be revived. One particularly sad story--retold in the San Bernardino County Area--was of a teacher bitten in his tomato patch near Hesperia, California. Apparently he died before emergency services could be dispatched. The venom of the Mojave can cause severe respiratory arrest, seizures and faintings. Many underrate the severity of the wound as it does not look as serious as most rattlesnake bites. This venom packs a terrible whallop and should be treated ASAP immediately, if possible.
The range of the Mojave Green includes Kern County, San Bernardino and L.A. County (in California) plus parts of Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Southern Nevada. This species thrives in low desert and high desert areas, with dry creek beds, mesquite and catcus. It is found in Joshua Tree, California, where it can often be seen coiled by rock outcrops, surrounded by brilliant spring flowers.The female produces 2 to 11 offspring in July through August.
Although I personally have never spotted this snake, when I hike in the Hesperia-Apple Valley area of California--not far from my house--I keep an especially alert eye open. Many Urban Legends exist about this reptile; some based on fables and some on distorted reality. It is not a shy snake, but probably is no more aggressive than, say, the Southern Pacific Rattler which I have encountered many times.
Notice in the photos that the coloration can vary from brownish-olive, to greenish-olive. Some are pale olive with a yellowish under belly, and some are dark green. Although all reptiles are somewhat beautiful and fascinating to study, this particular rattlesnake should not be sought out as the neurotoxic venom is extremely dangerous.
