Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species.
Tracking a Rare Snake
The Arizona black rattlesnake is a very understudied species of rattlesnake. As of 2018, there were fewer than 20 documented observations of this species in New Mexico. The species is known to inhabit portions of the San Francisco River drainage and is often found on steeper slopes and cliffsides. However, much more needs to be learned about this species before anything can be done to help protect this species and its habitat in New Mexico.
Arizona black rattlesnake rattle (Ginny Seamster).
Bruce Christman and Dr. Randy Jennings, both experienced herpetologists, have been using funds from the Share with Wildlife program to conduct surveys for the Arizona black rattlesnake, both at and near the locations of previously reported sightings.
Arizona black rattlesnake habitat (Ginny Seamster).
Surveying for rattlesnakes (Ginny Seamster).
Bruce and Randy’s surveys, which are being assisted by different biologists throughout the season, will continue into the early fall. Exciting news thus far is that they have detected this rattlesnake several miles north of the previously recorded northernmost observation. Also, they have seen multiple snakes in the same area, evidence that they were likely near a rattlesnake den, though unable to determine the exact location of that den.
Female AZ black rattlesnake (Ginny Seamster).
Preparing to safely handle a rattlesnake (Ginny Seamster).
Final project results should prove very useful for the Department’s amphibian and reptile biologist as he works to conserve sensitive species around the state and determine where future conservation and management efforts for our state’s herpetofauna would be most effectively applied.