Snake experts are skeptical of claims that deadly Mojave rattlesnakes have been seen around Las Cruces recently.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that Humane Society of Southern New Mexico President Frank Bryce says people are probably seeing Western diamondback rattlesnakes.
Bryce said the more common diamondbacks are hard to distinguish from their Mojave cousins unless inspected up close.
Diamondbacks are bigger and darker, but both snakes are often found on the edge of populated areas and blend in well with the surroundings.
Both have painful bites. Bryce said a person or animal should seek treatment within an hour of being bitten.
There have been reports of Mojave rattlesnakes along walking trails at Mesilla Valley Bosque Park.
The park superintendent, however, could only confirm sightings of the diamondback.
___
Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.