This good deed would have been punished...

Photo by Steven Kessel, 7/22/2013

Steve writes:

I photographed this Western Diamondback on the trail near Sabino Dam this morning (7/22/2013), moments after I nearly stepped on it. A very close call, my foot came within 6" of its nose before my brain asked the vital question: "what's that?" Fortunately, it was in a good mood. It never rattled, never moved. And, I resisted the temptation to be kind to it by removing the cactus spine that is embedded in its snout. This is a fairly small snake. I'd estimate about 2 1/2 feet. Big enough, however. I especially like its pink cheeks.