The Mojave Green Rattlesnake

As the name implies, this snake lives in the Mojave Desert of California, mainly in the high desert and lower mountain slopes.  It has a very potent venom which works as a neurotoxin, called "Mojave Toxin" that is considered more than thirty times more toxic than that of the Diamondback.  This venom acts on the central nervous system as well as the flesh and fluids.  Combine this with an evil temper and the Green becomes a dangerous serpent to be avoided. 

It was a hot dusty afternoon in the East Mojave and I was traveling north into the New York Mountains when I had the opportunity to experience my first encounter with a Mojave Green Rattlesnake.  He (an assumption I never verified) was coiled in the middle of the road enjoying the heat.  The cruiser had passed over the bundle of green before I realized what it was.  I knew he was under the center of the vehicle so had not struck him unless he had attempted to move at the wrong time.  Because of the slow pace of travel I had only passed him by a couple of  car lengths, so throwing it in reverse I slowly backed the vehicle and to my surprise he was soon in front of my vehicle again, still coiled and acting as if he was not very happy.

 At any moment I expected a fast exit to the side of the road and into the low scrubby growth of creosote bushes and mesquite.  After a minute or two and it appeared obvious that the Mojave was in no hurry to leave and might just like to discuss the situation.  I was still somewhat new to the desert and an opportunity to view up close a deadly viper that I had only read about, was to good to pass up.  I jumped from the vehicle, slapped my hip for the trusty 357  like some wayward cowboy, and surveyed the landscape as if I was going up against a Grizzly.  The Mojave had not moved except to raise his head higher into the air and bob in my direction.  It seemed in the evening sun the snakes light green color began to brighten.  Through the quiet afternoon heat the sound of the rattle buzzing began to cut the air like a knife.

 I had moved to the front of the cruiser which still put at least 8 feet between me and him.  What had once been an insignificant coiled piece of rope in the road now took on the look of a fierce fighter ready for battle.  All the other rattlesnakes I have crossed paths with were just as anxious to part-company as I was.  The Mojave had made up his mind, the middle of this road was his territory and he saw no need to leave.  I stomped on the ground as this will generally start a rattler on his way, no success was garnished here.  The Green continued the unrelenting buzz as he continued to bob in my direction. 

 Now there are those who preach that we humans are invading there home and should cause them no harm, well, for most animals that is my exact feeling.  But for snakes I have a totally separate category and belief, “they should be eliminated in their home as well as mine”.   I understand that a Supreme Being put all animals on the Earth, but just maybe, this is a situation that fell prey to the “Law of Unintended Consequences”.  What about the “Garden of Eden”, the serpent caused all the problems there!  Anyway, with this in my arsenal, I generally eliminate any and all vipers encountered.

 The Sun continued to beat down on the two of us, the sweat was running down my face and arms.  The Green continued the never-ending movement and sound.  “Why doesn’t he just slither away into the underbrush, doesn’t he realize I am the superior force, that he can’t win”, I pondered.  Then a thought entered my mind, “maybe he does think he can win, what if he can win”!  The direct heat of the Sun must be affecting my mind, “this damn snake can’t win, there is no way”. 

 Just at that moment the Mojave jumped what seemed to be half the distance between us.  Frozen for a second I just starred, then I jumped upon the front bumper of the cruiser.  The dogs, whom I had left in the vehicle, had been watching this standoff and were now barking and lunging at the windshield.  Before my eyes could adjust the Mojave had recoiled and the bobbing and buzzing continued, except now he was only 4 feet away and I am perched on the bumper about two feet above the ground, within easy reach of a sudden lunge.  I slowly lifted the 357 from the holster, opened the cylinder and verified that I snake shot loaded.  Spinning the cylinder I made sure that a shell was seated comfortably under the hammer and slammed it closed.  With the noise the Green struck again moving another two feet toward me.

 The concern that had entered my mind earlier had passed as the feel of the weapon brought me back to reality with the knowledge of my superior strength.  I pointed the gun at the viper which was now only two feet away.  Good bye my friend I thought, “you have been a worthy adversary, you  just don’t realize the overpowering ability of us humans”!  At this distance I could see the fierce glow in his eyes and the darting tongue, and the head swaying in unison with the rattle.  “Why didn’t you just move off into the underbrush and you could have seen another day”, but now, and my finger tightened on the trigger.

 The dogs were starring out the windshield waiting—for what they did not know, that something was happening they did know!  My finger was white when I relaxed and moved it from the trigger.  I holstered the 357 and slowly pushed myself upon the hood of the cruiser, which was hot, but I did not seem to notice as my eyes were still locked on the Green.  “Why had I not pulled the trigger, was I under the influence of the snake or the Sun, why had I not dispatched the Mojave and moved on. 

 Almost an hour had passed and the Sun was now casting long shadow.  The mountains were slowly fading to gray and soon all traces of the day would begin the transition into tomorrow.  As my mind wandered sitting on the cruiser’s hood, the Mojave stopped the buzzing, lowered his head and slowly started uncoiling to his 5-foot length as he moved toward the side of the road.  I watched as this worthy opponent, in no apparent haste, disappeared.

 I slid down to the ground looking in the direction he had taken wondering if I had dreamed the last hour or had it really happened.  The area where he had coiled was disturbed which provided factual reality to the events.  I climbed into the cruiser, popped a beer and looked at the dogs whom were staring at me.  Darkness was taking over and the mountains had faded into the black of night as the dogs and I sat in utter amazement, trying to understand the reality of this encounter.

 After dinner in camp that evening I felt good, I had met face to face with a Mojave Green Rattlesnake and we had both won.  Never before had I seen a Rattlesnake be aggressive unless cornered or trapped.  This remains true till this day with all except the Mojave Green.  Since that day I have seen many Green’s but the respect gained those long years ago causes me to pass them by.  Not from fear, but from respect of their warrior ability to take on overwhelming odds in a forbidding and dissolute existence.  So if you should see one in your travels just give a small salute and move on, you will both be the better for it.