Western rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) are one of the more mellow species of rattlesnakes. Though they can inject venom when they bite, rattlesnakes generally prefer to avoid confrontation and use their rattle to warn off potential predators. This illustration is part of a series of drawings illustrating the cultural and natural history of Saddleback Ranch in northern California.
Excellent reproduction of original pen and ink rendering on Duralene film.