The Mojave Green Rattlesnake

Crotalus scutulatus, more commonly known as the Mojave (Green) Rattlesnake, is one of many species of rattlesnakes preserved within the Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History on the campus of the College of Idaho. Perhaps most terrifying of all its characteristics is this rattlesnake's face. With a menacing frown and a subtly ferocious pair of fangs, this creature gazes from its preserve almost as if it possesses a life beyond death, determined to kill passersby by looks alone.  

​

In humans, this snake excites a primitive response handed down through generations of evolution to modern humans. This fear isn't completely without reason, however. There exists a biological imperative that excites emotions related to fear when a human is exposed to the figure of a serpent. As such, it can be understood why most are prone to judge a snake before they get to know its behavioral inclinations. But what of those that respect the symbology of the rattlesnake?

​

To many peoples, such as the Mayans and Yezidis, the Mojave Green is a symbol of wisdom. The Mayans believed this snake to be a link to the realm of spirits. Likewise, the Yezidis associate C. scutulatus with the imagery of their most revered deity. Both scenarios indicate that those who live in areas shared by the Mojave Green emphasize some form of respect for the creature. 

​

Comparatively, other cultures are much less reverant of the rattlesnake. In the creation story of the Christian Bible, the snake is depicted as evil and treacherous -- deceiving Eve to commit the first sin. Under closer inspection, however, a question appears: was the snake of Eden truly evil, or was he simply the embodiment of wisdom?

​

In exploration of this concept, research involving the history and culture behind the concept of wisdom showed that it can include a variety of characteristics. The positive traits, as represented by the Mayan and Yezidi beliefs, include the modern interpretation of wisdom: knowledge, respect, and virtue. Negative traits, however, also exist in wisdom. These traits - represented by religions such as Christianity - encompass qualities such as cunning, deceitfulness, and a want for personal gain. In total, wisdom is all of these things -- it is as bad as it is good. From this, it can be seen that snakes are the embodiment of wisdom: they represent both halves of wisdom equally. 

​

In analysis of the symbolic nature of the Mojave Green a lesson in relation to the importance of compassion can be learned. Like rattlesnakes, humans should not judge based on a system of absolute good or bad. If you lack the comprehension that a stereotypically good person can make mistakes, your sense of trust will never fully develop. Likewise, the immediate damnation of those who are perceived to be evil in society severely hampers their potential for acts of redemption. Without the incorporation of what rattlesnakes embody into society, there would be no compassion -- no forgiveness. A society without either of those functions certainly is one not worth living in. Perhaps the next time you see a rattlesnake, understand that it represents more than what you initially think -- more than what you heard in Sunday School or what your grandparents told you. Only then will you be able to live a fuller life.