Some of the more common names of the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake are: black diamond rattlesnake, black (diamond) rattler, gray diamond-back, mountain rattler, Pacific rattler, San Diegan rattler, timber rattler. The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is one of the largest rattlesnakes and one of several dangerously venomous rattlesnakes' species native to California. Their venom is highly toxic to humans and occasionally fatal; however, they strike humans only if cornered or threatened. Much of our current-day technological advances in night-vision and heat seeking ability are a result of research done on pit vipers such as the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. The photo below was taken on our Joshua Tree Adventure!