New Mexico Tourism | Western

American International Rattlesnake Museum

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Museums: American International Rattlesnake Museum, Cityof Las Cruces Log Cabin Museum, Cleveland Roller Mill Museum, E.L. Blumenschein Home & Museum, Kit Carson Home & Museum, Farmington Museum, El Malpais National Monument, Fort Selden State Monument, Fort Union National Monument, Harvey House Museum, Historical Center For Southeast New Mexico, Lincoln State Monument, Las Vegas City Museum & Rough Rider Memorial, Miles Mineral Museum, New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, Old Mill Museum, Palace of the Governors, Pecos National Historical Park, Raton Museum, Roosevel County Museum, Silver City Museum, Tucumcari Historical Museum

American International Rattlesnake Museum

This museum has an extensive collection of rattlesnakes and rattlesnake memorabilia in the Southwest.

Only about one fourth of all snakes are venomous. Among the venomous snakes are those considered by experts to be highly dangerous and others that are of little concern as a danger to man. Those considered to be dangerous are so designated for several reasons:

Their venom may be highly toxic.
They may carry large quantities of venom.
They may live in close proximity to people.
They may be present in large numbers.
They may defend themselves more aggressively.
They may be agile or quick.
When they are being kept as "pets".
Medical facilities in the area may be poor.
They may have long fangs producing deep wounds.
Their color and pattern may hide their presence.
They may be active during the hours we are active.
They may be territorial or protective. (very uncommon)

Most rattlesnakes have relatively weak venoms when compared to the world's true vipers and cobras. Copperheads and water moccasins have comparatively weak venoms as well.

The Eastern and Western Diamondbacks are of concern in this country because of their wide distribution, their relatively large size (giving a greater striking distance - about one-third to one-half their body length), the deep puncture wounds they inflict, and their large amounts of venom. The Western Diamondback will also readily defend itself. The Mojave Rattlesnake is the most potently venomous of this country's rattlesnakes. The corral snake's venom is a potent neurotoxin but the snake is not considered particularly dangerous because of its demure manner.

Rattlesnakes will make every effort to avoid contact with people. We are far more dangerous to this secretive animal than it is to us. In almost every case, we are treading on the snakes' home territory when we encounter them, and in almost every case, the rattlesnake looses its life.

American International Rattlesnake Museum
202 San Felipe NW, Suite A
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104-1426
Phone (505) 242-6569
www.rattlesnakes.com