Rattlesnake was 20 feet up in the dark, dangling from tree limbs, Arizona video shows

Rattlesnakes aren’t known to dangle from trees in the dark, but a video recorded in southeast Arizona proves their climbing abilities have been sorely underestimated.

It shows a black-tailed rattlesnake almost appeared to levitate as it rose higher atop fragile branches.

Herpetologist Bryan Hughes of Rattlesnake Solutions said he encountered the 3-foot snake around 11 p.m. in the isolated Sky Islands wilderness, and it was up about 20 feet. But it was not the first time he has seen a black-tailed rattlesnake in a tree.

“While all species of rattlesnakes may occasionally climb bushes and trees, blacktails tend to do so more often and go higher. It is not uncommon to find them in branches at or above eye level, even in the upper branches,” Hughes wrote Nov. 4 on Facebook.

“These are not behaviors that people typically associate with rattlesnakes, even though it is perfectly normal.”

The 52-second video is intended to educate rather than frighten viewers, he said.

It has been viewed more than 12,000 times and gotten hundreds of reactions and comments as of Nov. 6, including some from people who admitted to being alarmed by the idea of rattlesnakes lurking overhead.

“I, to this day, haven’t seen one in the trees,” Desiree Wolfe wrote on Facebook.

“Oh jeeze! Now I’ve gotta worry about vertically placed and airborne too?” MaryAnne Holub posted.

Many commenters wanted to know what would compel a rattlesnake to climb a tree. Hughes believes he frightened it into taking high ground. However, the snake may have been searching for a meal or even trying to regulate its body temperature, he said.

“No, this does not mean you need to worry about trees now. If someone hasn’t had an issue with rattlesnakes in trees before, this doesn’t mean at all that they need to now suddenly worry. Just keep the same situational awareness as usual for rattlesnake avoidance,” Hughes said.

“And it could also be noted that just because a rattlesnake can climb a tree, which has many grip opportunities and surfaces, it does not at all mean that a rattlesnake can climb over the wall around your backyard.”

Black-tailed rattlesnakes can reach 4 feet and are “often quick to rattle at the first hint of danger,” according to Reptiles and Amphibians of Arizona.

“This rattlesnake is capable of delivering large amounts of potent venom. If encountered it should be left alone,” the guide notes.

This story was originally published November 6, 2024 at 7:24 AM.