Most people find rattlesnakes as fearsome as they are fascinating. New Mexico trails can be filled with snakes in some parts of the state due to its desert conditions, but unlike what you see on television, snakes will typically leave you alone if you do the same. In other words, they don’t want the drama either! But for those interested in learning more about this feared and often misunderstood reptile, you’ll want to slither on over to the American International Rattlesnake Museum in Old Town Albuquerque to learn more:
The Rattlesnake Museum features the largest live collection of different species on public display in the world.
It is considered an animal conservation museum. Staff here touts that it houses a greater variety of rattlesnakes than the San Diego, Bronx, National, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver zoos combined.
Rare and unusual species are exhibited, and guides are happy to answer questions about what is considered one of nature's "perfect predators."
The museum isn't intended to be scary, but rather is educational and is intended to foster a greater understanding of this often misunderstood reptile.
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Details are shown for each of the snakes on display.
Serious snake visitors may enjoy hearing the more detailed presentation and information video offered. Visitors will find it interesting how very different the species can look. While the longest rattlesnake on record was 8 feet, most are 2-4 feet.
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Snakes have nostrils, but they really do smell with their tongues as well.
Snakes use their tongues for collecting chemicals from the air or ground. The tongue does not have receptors to taste or smell. Instead, these receptors are in the vomeronasal, or Jacobson’s Organ, which is in the roof of the mouth. It's just one of many interesting facts you'll learn about snakes here.
This species is considered the fastest moving of all rattlesnakes.
The Colorado desert sidewinder features a"horn" over each eye, which probably helps protect the eye. In spite of its name, it is NOT not found in Colorado.
Their grouping makes it hard to determine how many there are in the photo. For those counting, there are eight babies pictured of the species C.c. cercobombus.
Here you see an assortment of rattlesnake fangs, which can be purchased if desired.
Summer hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. During the rest of the year, the museum closes at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays but weekend hours are the same. If visiting in January, February, or March, note that it closes one week each month, so be sure to call ahead.
To get to the museum from Albuquerque, take I-40 West, exiting onto Rio Grande Blvd. Turn south and follow signs into Old Town. The museum is located 100 feet south of the southeast corner of the main plaza.
Have you visited the Rattlesnake Museum, and if so, did you find it worthwhile? What other attractions do you find visit-worthy in Albuquerque? Here are some additional day trips you may be interested in as well.
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