We’re ssssss-elebrating World Snake Day with the birth of three tiger rattlesnakes!

Tiger rattlesnakes are found in the southwestern United States (including Arizona) and northwestern Mexico. They have a gray, lavender, blue-gray, pink or buff ground color pattern that turns to pink, pale orange or cream on the sides.  This species of snake gets its name,
tiger rattlesnake, from the many narrow dorsal crossbands, which create a pattern of vertical stripes when viewed from the side.

They are “live bearers” meaning they do not lay eggs, and usually have 2-6 offspring called neonates. While the neonates are born with
a rattle button (a skin cap on the tip of their tail), they are unable to rattle until they shed at least one time. And, as they grow, they get
a new rattle segment each time they shed (usually is about once per month).

Next time at your Zoo, be on the lookout for the tiger rattlesnakes! The adults can be found in the Arizona Aviary, and a youngster from
last year’s offspring can be found on the Children’s Trail near the wallabies.