The two women in the photograph below got a special treat on their Joshua Tree Adventure Tour when a very large Speckled Rattlesnake made an appearance. The two women came all the way from Denmark to do the tour and were quite delighted to see such an iconic creature of our California Deserts. They quickly took out their cameras to capture it. Both of the photos below were taken by the Guide.

Rattlesnakes are important members of the natural community. They will not attack, but if disturbed or cornered, they will defend themselves. Reasonable watchfulness should be sufficient to avoid a snakebite. Give them distance and respect.