• Tyuonyi Pueblo and Big Kiva from Frey Trail

    Bandelier

    National Monument New Mexico

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • Access by Shuttle Bus Only

    Starting May 24, 2013 all access to the most visited part of the park, Frijoles Canyon, will be via a mandatory shuttle bus from the nearby community of White Rock from 9 AM - 3 PM daily. Private cars may drive in before 9 AM or after 3 PM. More »

Snakes

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes use the rattles on their tails to warn you if you are too close.

NPS Photo by Sally King

Are you afraid of snakes? It seems that most people are. However, the majority of snakes are not even venomous and would be no more likely to bite you than any other wildlife. Snakes, even the venomous ones, are only likely to strike out if they feel threatened. Some snakes, like rattlesnakes, have a unique way of letting you know if they are feeling a little defensive - they shake the rattles on the ends of their tails. They don't do this just for people but for any creature that may pose a danger. Other snakes take advantage of the rattlesnakes defensive strategy. How? They pretend that they are rattlesnakes by coiling and rattling their tails too.
 
bullsnake
Bullsnakes can mimic rattlesnakes by coiling and rattling their tails but they have no venom to back up their threat.  REMEMBER, ALL SNAKES CAN BITE IF THEY FEEL THREATENED.
NPS Photo by Sally King

Did You Know?

Katydid

Katydids are often called leaf hoppers.  Their wings and body look like vegetation, a form of camouflage which offers this insect some protection from predators.