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By: Kim Johns
INTRODUCTION: Hello Friends! I’m so glad you could join me today! I just returned from an amazing adventure in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. Some of you might not think so, but the desert is a beautiful place to visit. I met a lot of desert creatures there. I would love to tell you about one slithery friend - the Western Diamond Back Rattlesnake. This snake is the KING of snakes! Would you like to know what he eats and where he sleeps? Well, let's turn on our brains, learn a few facts about our new friend, test our knowledge and complete a fun activity.  WHO AM I? Here’s some information that will teach you a few things – but what you really need to know is in the snake world I am king! I am the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.
WHERE DO I LIVE? When it comes to where I live being picky is not my thing. I’ll make my home in desert flats or rocky hills or plains. Grassy plains and prairies along the coast will do. I’ll dwell in the deep forest and river bottoms, too. When it’s really hot outside I’ll lay coiled in the shade. Or I’ll take a noontime break in homes other animals have made.
WHAT DO I EAT? I love to eat small mammals, they make a tasty snack. They won’t see me hide along their trail and that’s when I’ll attack. There’s just so much to eat out here – rats, rabbits, and gophers too. I’ve even been known to eat chipmunks and maybe a bird or two. I can eat a mammal that weighs far more than me. And after I’ve had a great big meal, for weeks I won’t be seen.
 HOW DO I LOOK?I have a reputation of looking very mean. The two dark stripes along my face are very frightening. My head is shaped just like a spade – that resembles a heart shape. I have some fearsome, poisonous fangs that can be easily replaced. I range in color from black to brown – it depends upon my home. My back is lined with diamond-shapes – that’s where my name comes from. My tail is circled with bands of black and also with bands of white. It looks just like a raccoon’s tail if the lighting is just right. I’ll coil up and stand my ground and rattle fearsomely, if you try to cross me or dare to threaten me.
HOW DO I REPRODUCE? I really want a girlfriend when the springtime comes around. If another male pursues her, I’ll wrestle him to the ground. The baby snakes are dangerous from the minute they are born. Their fangs are sharp and poisonous – be careful, I implore. Mommy snake leaves right away, so they’re left on their own. I’m sure they will survive out in the wilderness all alone.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME:  ACTIVITY
Let’s Make A Diorama!
 Materials Needed: Shoebox or cardboard box Sand
Rocks
Paper
Crayons, Markers, Paint, or Colored Pencils Various art materials (see the diorama website)
If you haven't made a diorama before, then head on over to this website for all the information you’ll need:
Kindergarten/1st Grade: Make a desert diorama; make a Diamondback Rattlesnake out of a material of your choice (rope, paper mache, etc.). Write 3 or 4 facts about the Diamondback Rattlesnake and attach it to the back of your diorama. Present your diorama to your class.
2nd and 3rd Grade: Make a desert diorama; make a Diamondback Rattlesnake out of a material of your choice (be creative). Place the rattlesnake in your diorama. Write a paragraph or two about the snake and attach it to the back of your diorama. Present your diorama to your class.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ME?
There’s a lot to know about me and so I would suggest, you take a look at these cool sites - I’m sure you’ll be impressed.
Exploring the Southwest: Desert USA
OR
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
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