Over much of its range, this rattler is a rock dweller but it is also occasionally found in areas of loose soil or sand. Usually an alert, nervous snake that often holds its ground when cornered. C. m. mitchelli. A blotched rattlesnake, usually with a light stripe extending from behind the eye to the corner of the mouth. Blotches various shades of brown to black, usually edged with darker color and often with light-colored borders.
Blotches often give way at rear to crossbands.
Tail has dark and light rings but they usually don't contrast sharply with the body color. Rocky outcrops, talus slopes, rocky stream courses and ledges are favorite haunts of this snake. Ground color greenish gray, olive green, brownish or yellowish. A white to yellowish stripe extends from behind the eye to a point behind the corner of the mouth. Enlarged scales on snout and between the supraoculars.