Alberta Prairie Rattlesnake

My research takes place in the Dry Mixed Grassland of Southern Alberta. On our last day in the field, we almost stepped on this rattlesnake. It was early morning and the snake was basking in the sun. Rattlesnakes are a species at risk in Alberta, and Canadian grasslands are among the world’s most endangered ecosystems. I like to use this picture when I TA students plant identification because you can see the tall needle-and-thread grass in the foreground, silver sagebrush in the back, and bright green broomweed all around the snake.