Mojave
by Judy Kennedy
Title
Mojave
Artist
Judy Kennedy
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
The video featuring the rescue and release of this beautiful animal is at https://youtu.be/Pno9QU5thYU
On September 8, 2019, I went outside to fill up the birdbaths around twilight when I discovered this beautiful, young Mojave Rattlesnake crossing my yard. This did not startle for I’m accustomed to these events living in a remote location out in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, USA. I calmly captured it with snake tongs and put it in a bucket with a lid until I could release it back into the wild the next day. I always take advantage of the situation and get some video footage and photographs out of it for artistic and educational purposes. I love these snakes and the mojave (pronounced mohavee with the accent on the “ha”) is probably my favorite rattler because its markings are so distinct and its personality a bit feisty. Considered one of the most dangerous vipers in the United States, its venom is neurotoxic - meaning that if you’re unlucky enough to get in its way and suffer the consequences, the symptoms include paralysis, difficulty breathing, and even death. They were here first, and only strike in self-defense. They keep rodent populations down and are equally vital for the health of the ecosystem. I hope that their beauty as reflected in my art helps people to appreciate them more.
Uploaded
October 6th, 2019
Embed
Share
Similar Images
Recently Viewed
