The western diamondback rattlesnake is one of the most common snakes in Eddy county.  When I go road cruising at night, I find these and Texas longnose snakes to be the most common.  Most are usually 36"-42", but on rare occasions, you'll find one 48" or longer.  The ones I have come across usually don't rattle and try to escape by any means possible.  I can pick them up with a hook and they still try to escape.  Only when they can go no further have they struck defensive postures and started rattling.  They eat mostly rodents and ground dwelling birds, but babies will eat lizards also.  It is a very dangerous snake because of the potency of it's venom and the quantity.  It is responsible for the most envenomations in the area.

                                               

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