The ability to vibrate the tail is instinctual, but the rattle cannot be heard until juveniles shed at least three times. Juvenile rattlesnakes can deliver a fully potent bite. Primarily inhabiting valleys and bajadas, a series of backward J or S shapes left in loose sand indicates one has passed by. It will partially or nearly completely bury itself in loose sand or gravel when at rest. Its coloration is variable, but primarily browns and grays.
Facial stripes can be faint to pronounced.
With exception to localized overlap with the other rattlesnakes of southern Nevada, the Great Basin Rattlesnake is the only one inhabiting the northern two thirds of the state. Also called the Mohave Green, this snake mainly inhabits valleys and bajadas. Notice the light to medium green body with yellow bordering darker diamonds on the back. A pronounced dark stripe edged with yellow to yellow-green runs along both sides of the head angling down through the eyes to behind the corner of the mouth. The venom is very potent.