There is a reason why Arizona's Baseball Team is called the DiamondBacks. Its scientific name is Crotalus atrox and it is one of thirteen rattlesnake species in Arizona. The common name for this snake is the western diamond-backed rattlesnake. You may be surprised to learn that diamond-backed rattlesnakes are not purple.
According to the Pima County Public Library, most people who are bitten by rattlesnakes are in Pima County. Rattlesnakes seem to bite more commonly around Labor Day, probably for the same reason that the most commonly bitten individuals are drunk males with tattoos. Usually, the number of people bitten in the state runs around 180 to 200 each year. From 2002 to 2006, there were 1,912 rattlesnake bites and only four fatalities.
According to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, rattlesnakes are among the most highly specialized organisms on the planet. Quoting from their website, "Their venom — in fact a toxic saliva — is among the most complex substances known: a mixture of enzymes unique to pit vipers that destroys blood or paralyzes nerves. And the delivery system is equally amazing — the snakes' fangs are movable hypodermic syringes. Rattlesnakes are also among the few animal groups with dual visual systems. In addition to their eyes, they have sensory organs in their upper jaws which can actually “see” infrared images. They can detect the heat from a candle flame 30 feet (9 m) away. These animals merit admiration more than fear."
I have seen hundreds of rattlesnakes over the years. My first sighting was almost my last, I almost stepped on one just below the top of the Mogollon Rim. It is a good idea to keep alert and watch where you are going in the desert, in fact, that is pretty good advice anytime, anywhere.
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