SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. (AP) – According to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, the body of a 57-year-old man was discovered Saturday in rugged terrain near Parker Canyon Lake. Authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death but The Sierra Vista Herald is reporting that two dead ridge-nosed rattlesnakes were found in the man’s backpack.
The family of Daniel Genaro reported him missing on Friday and told police and told police he had a history of medical issues.
A Sheriff’s spokeswoman Carol Capas said that police are waiting for the autopsy results before determining if further investigation is necessary.
The ridge-nosed rattlesnake is the state reptile of Arizona and is afforded special protection under state law.
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service