What’s The Deal With This Weird Arizona Rattlesnake?

There may not be a more iconic reptile than the Diamondback Rattlesnake. They're well known across the world for their eerie rattle and distinct markings, warning anyone who may be close to back off or face the consequences.

These snakes are particularly well known in Arizona, to the point our Major League Baseball program is named after them, but one has just been found that might change everything we know about the species.

The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

The typical Diamondback Rattlesnake is a staple of Southwestern America. These sneaky reptiles can be found across the American Southwest and Northern Mexico, hence the name. They are easily identified by the diamond-like pattern on their back and rattle on their tail.

These snakes are venomous, meaning you should do your best to avoid them at all costs if you come across one, but luckily a general antivenom has been developed.

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One-of-a-Kind Rattlesnake

Recently, some snake wranglers in central Arizona found a particularly strange specimen in a backyard in Scottsdale. This was obviously a Diamondback Rattlesnake, but its body says differently. Instead of the typical diamonds you would find on its back, this snake had an almost leopard pattern running across it.

Aside from the base of its tail, which marked it as a true rattlesnake, this was unlike anything the wranglers had ever seen before. While there could be plenty of reasoning behind this, the most likely is simply: it's a weird looking rattlesnake.

The snake was captured alive and healthy, and will likely be released back into the wild very soon.

[UPI][Sonoran Desert Museum][@rattlesnakesolutions via Instagram]