The Speckled Rattlesnake is fairly common pit viper found in southern California, southern Nevada, western Arizona and south-western Utah and down the Pacific coast into Baja California. A moderate size snake, this animal typically does not exceed 39 inches in length. As with most animals, the Speckled Rattlesnake is a master of disguise and commonly are colored to compliment the surrounding rock. This viper can range from pink, cream, tan or pale blues and grays. This feature I can personally attest to as I witnessed and entire Cub Scout Pack literally step over the specimen photographed below while hiking on a camping trip in the Valley of Fire State Park just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.
![Juvenile Speckled Rattle Snake found in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada](https://i0.wp.com/www.destination4x4.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SpeckledRattleSnake.jpg?resize=720%2C960&ssl=1)
![geographic distribution of Crotalus mitchellii (Native: Mexico; United States). classification according to RDB, Crotalus (mitchellii) angelensis and Crotalus (mitchellii) muertensis are recognized as subspecies](https://i0.wp.com/www.destination4x4.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Crotalus_mitchellii_distribution_RDB.png?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1)
The Speckled Rattlesnake like all pit vipers by sensing its prey utilizing small glands near its eyes which sense thermal energy about 1 meter away. This feature allows the viper to successfully hunt mice, birds, lizards and other small prey animals at night when they are most active. A ground dweller, this little hunter will operate 24 hours a day, adjusting its schedule to the heat of the day and the cooler temperatures at night.
Like all reptiles, the little Speckled Rattlesnake will hibernate during to cold winter months.