Rattlesnake in Tree

Sierra de las Uvas, NM, 1997.

The recent post by She Who Runs With Rattlesnakes reminded me of this photograph I encountered last week while sorting through my archives. This rattlesnake was coiled up in the branches of a mulberry tree in upper Broad Canyon. Notice the rattles and the "coon tail" stripes. I've never seen a rattlesnake in a tree before or since. Since the tree was loaded with ripe fruit, I suspect the snake was there to hunt birds, though I can't imagine how it would be able to strike from so precarious a position. So... a word to the wise -- just because you don't see a rattlesnake on the ground in front of you, don't assume you're safe! Be alert at all times while hiking in the desert!