Mohave rattlesnakes have a reputation for having especially potent venom and being especially aggressive. Studies have shown that the venom is quite variable among different populations of this species. The aggressive reputation is probably mostly or entirely legend. (People tend to assume that dangerous animals are aggressive, whereas in truth most of them are shy and want nothing more than to avoid contact with humans.)

My friend Don MacCubbin and I saw this one on a road at night. We encouraged it off the road with my tripod's extended legs so it wouldn't get squashed. It sluggishly moved in the direction we suggested, but didn't show a trace of aggressiveness.

One distinguishing identification mark of this species is seen clearly in this photo. The tail near the rattle is banded black and white, with the white bands are much thicker than the black bands.

I spotted this rattlesnake as it was prowling near the side of a little-used road at night. It seems to be trying to hide behind a blade of grass.