(Photo courtesy of National Park Service)

Arizona black rattlesnake.

The rattlesnake is one of the predators most closely associated with Arizona. Whether you’re a native or a newcomer, you’re told to steer clear of rattlesnakes — and if you don’t bother them, they probably won’t bother you.

According to a new research study, the future of the Arizona black rattlesnake is being affected by wildfires and the species could be headed toward extinction.

Two of the scientists on the research team, Michael and Marlis Douglas, are biologists at the University of Arkansas. The two formerly worked at Arizona State University.

They talked about some of the factors that led them to conclude this species of rattlesnake is moving in the direction of extinction.