New Mexico is home to a number of animals that you wouldn’t want to get near, from stinging scorpions and tarantula hawks to the oddly peanut-scented New Mexico spadefoot toad. However, rattlesnakes still get the worst press.The rattlesnake will actually flee from humans if possible, unless it feels trapped or physically threatened. If you do happen upon one, simply back away. A threatened rattler can strike more than two-thirds of its total length away.In New Mexico, there are seven different types of rattlesnakes: the rock rattlesnake, western diamondback, western prairie rattlesnake, Mojave rattlesnake, black-tailed rattlesnake, Massasauga, and ridge-nose rattlesnake. Each of them have distinctive markings and live in different areas, but you can commonly recognize them by their triangular head, and a pit on either side of their heads. While you might think the rattle would be the simplest way to identify them, non-rattlers will often attempt to mimic the sound by shaking their tail on dry leaves or grass. Also, the rattle may not make noise if it’s absorbed too much water. Certain types of snakes will also attempt to flatten their heads to mimic the triangular shape.We can’t be too hard on the rattlesnake, though. The Arizona coral snake also makes its way down into New Mexico on occasion, and is just as dangerous. You can recognize the coral snake by the pattern of rings on its back. Red rings touch yellow rings on this and other poisonous snakes, while non-poisonous snakes have red touching black. Being able to recognize danger will help you in removing yourself from harmful situations, and prevent you from having to kill a snake in self-defense. Remember that this is their world just as much as it is ours.