Most people would prefer if venomous creatures were not hidden in their area. Unfortunately for some people, that’s just a reality they have to live with. Sometimes you can’t spot them even when you know they are there.

This is especially the case during the period of unprecedented heatwaves we have been experiencing. Many animals, venomous snakes included, will look for places to hide from the sun during extreme heat.

Snakes know just how to blend in.

It is way more difficult than any of us want it to be to spot rattlesnakes in the wild. Bryan Hughes decided to prove this fact by posting a photo to the Arizona Snake Identification and Questions Facebook group online.

I found this Tiger Rattlesnake cruising around my backyard today. This makes the third species of rattlesnake on the property. I followed it until it climbed into the branches of a bush, where it looks to have fallen asleep. pic.twitter.com/0QJlRhjIWH

— Bryan D. Hughes (@rattlesnakeguy) July 19, 2021

The photo he posted seemed to just show some rocks and a few agave plants. This was a post in a Facebook group on identifying snakes, however. There is a rattlesnake in that photo, can you find it?

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes can hide with the best of them.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes aren’t too picky with where they hang out. They are classified as generalist snakes, meaning they can make their home in different types of environments. They can be found in forests, deserts, grassy areas, areas that are not grassy, and everywhere else in between.

During the day, Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes like to hide from the sun under low-growing plants and shrubs. They tend to be well-hidden when they do so, as the photo Bryan Hughes posted to Facebook proved.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes can be dangerous to trekkers.

Because these snakes remain so hidden during the day, they are potentially dangerous to hikers, trekkers, and people who don’t know to be on the lookout for them.

An interesting-looking Arizona Black Rattlesnake from western Arizona. There are genetic and phenotypical characteristics that may indicate that this snake is something much more interesting, but more work needs to be done. pic.twitter.com/ncjv5JQlQ7

— Bryan D. Hughes (@rattlesnakeguy) July 21, 2021

Hughes’ company specializes in snake removal and they are the ones who took the picture he posted to Facebook. They noted that hot weather, especially periods of intense heat, can cause more rattlesnakes to slither their way into backyards and even inside of people’s homes.

If you see one rattlesnake, it means there are many more you don’t see.

Hughes noted that if you see one rattlesnake nearby, there are likely far more you aren’t seeing. These snakes are particularly good at not being seen, you see.

It takes only a split second for the rattlesnake to feel threatened and strike. In just a blink of an eye, one of these creatures can inject its venom into your body.

Derek picked up this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake from a garden in the Tucson area. These cool, well-watered areas are ideal for hunting and getting a break from the heat. pic.twitter.com/XeOFe1pn8F

— Bryan D. Hughes (@rattlesnakeguy) July 20, 2021

Hearing rattlesnakes more than seeing them.

Rattlesnakes use their rattle to keep threats away, and we think it’s best if we humans follow this advice. Considering how well they can hide, you are more likely to hear a rattlesnake than see one.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 7000 and 8000 people a year are bitten by venomous snakes. In most cases, these will not result in death so long as the person gets prompt medical care.

Still can’t find the rattlesnake?

Can you still not find it? It’s coiled up dead center under the agave plant in the photo. If you couldn’t find it, you are not alone.

“Great camouflage, wear boots made w/ thick leather high enough to avoid their bite!” Wrote one viewer.

Watch the video below!

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Source: The Red Phoenix/Miami Herald