At other times, they have sounded out threats while tucked tightly between the fissured halves of a rock. For predators such as the red-tailed hawk or coyote, this presents a more complicated target than tackling a snake in the open. As with other species, the greatest threat comes from the loss of habitat to development. Interestingly, in certain areas, humans have inadvertently enhanced the habitat. The desert landscaped homes built on the borders of the mountain preserve parks of Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, provide prime examples.
Landscapers bring in boulders, build ponds, and plant trees and other vegetation.
Water and fertilizer induce the trees to seed in abundance. The rich food supply, in turn, attracts rodents from the desert. They dig dens deep beneath the boulders. The snakes arrive, find food, water and shelter, and stay. Surprisingly, more and more homeowners are expressing reluctance at seeing the rattlers go.