The narrator, Coyote Peterson, welcomes viewers to a new episode of his show, "Breaking Trail". They are in the Sonoran Desert, exploring the back side of Cat Mountain, a location known for its stunning beauty and challenging terrain. The crew is out to capture some of this beauty, but they warn that appearances can be deceiving, with the rugged landscape posing a significant challenge.
As the crew begins their journey, they come across a western diamondback rattlesnake. The snake is big and beautiful, and despite the dangerous situation, Coyote Peterson handles the snake carefully, pinning its head down to keep it safe. The snake is the second most venomous species in the Sonoran Desert, second only to the coral snake.
Coyote explains that rattlesnakes are ambush predators, lying in wait for prey to come near. They then strike out, injecting venom with their fangs. The crew is amazed to see that the snake has double fangs, a rare sight. The rattlesnake's fangs are modified teeth that are hollow and filled with venom, capable of causing serious pain.
Despite the danger, the crew is thrilled to have found the snake. Coyote advises viewers not to try to capture or handle a rattlesnake like he did, as it is one of the most dangerous reptiles in the Sonoran Desert and one of the most venomous rattlesnakes in the United States.
After the encounter, Coyote lets the snake go back to the spot where he found it. The snake, named Tommy Two Fang by the crew, is released and the crew continues their journey in the Sonoran Desert.
The episode concludes with Coyote Peterson's signature closing line: "I'm Coyote Peterson, be brave, stay wild. We'll see ya on the next adventure."
Here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:
1. The speaker, identified as Coyote Peterson, is exploring the back side of Cat Mountain in the Sonoran Desert.
2. The time of day is just past sunrise, making it a prime time to find reptiles.
3. The Southwest, particularly the Sonoran Desert, is described as an epic backdrop for any adventure.
4. The crew, including Peterson, is heading out to capture the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
5. The area is challenging due to its rock-strewn, ankle-twisting terrain and spike-covered plant life.
6. It's essential to stay hydrated in the desert at all times.
7. A western diamondback rattlesnake is encountered.
8. The snake is large, approximately four and a half to five feet long.
9. The snake is the second most venomous species in the Sonoran Desert, only surpassed by the coral snake.
10. The snake has heat sensing pits in front of the nostrils, which it uses to sense predators or prey.
11. Western diamondback rattlesnakes are ambush predators, laying in wait for prey and injecting venom with their fangs.
12. The snake has a double set of fangs, which are constantly being replaced.
13. The rattlesnake's fangs are hollow and filled with a mytotoxic, cytotoxic, and hemotoxic venom that can cause serious pain.
14. Peterson recommends not trying to capture or handle a rattlesnake, as it's one of the most dangerous reptiles in the Sonoran Desert and one of the most venomous rattlesnakes in the United States.
15. After the encounter, the snake is released back into the shade.
16. The snake is described as the largest venomous snake that lives in Arizona.
17. The snake is given the nickname "Tommy Two Fang" due to its unique double set of fangs.
18. Peterson is the host of a show called "Breaking Trail" and he advises viewers to subscribe to follow the show and the crew.
19. The episode of "Breaking Trail" was brought to viewers by the BuyPower Card from Capital One.