It was now early September as the Tortuga was stationed in the Sonoran Desert. And Amber was now nearly 3 months old, and Chris and Martin have managed to put together their next mission.

"So, what is this that you're looking for?" Koki asked.

"It's called a hibernaculum." Chris said. "Some snakes were gather in huge numbers as they prepare themselves for winter."

"Garter Snakes do it as well." Martin said. "And remember that gathering of rattlesnakes we told you about?"

"Yeah." Aviva said.

"Rattlesnakes do it too." Martin said. "And this is the perfect time of year to be searching for one. Because rattlesnakes are starting to gather."

"And we gotta find it." Chris said.


The next day, Chris and Martin hiked across the desert terrain along with Amber in their search of the hibernaculum.

As they hiked, Chris suddenly noticed something by a rock.

"Hey, hang on, hang on, hang on." Chris said.

"What?" Martin asked.

"We nearly walked pass it." Chris said gesturing to the rock. "Look."

Martin looked over at the rock, and then noticed hidden by it was a rattlesnake with a yellow and black coloration.

"It's a Black-tailed Rattlesnake." Martin said.

The Black-tailed Rattlesnake was laying camouflaged by the rock remaining still thinking they'll walk by him. Only thing moving was his tongue.

"Okay, let's see if we can get a better look." Chris said grabbing a stick.

Chris then gently brought the stick near the snake to see if he can lift it up. And then the rattlesnake started rattling it's tail knowing he's been discovered.

"Oh, now he knows he's been found." Martin said.

Amber then took a step back after hearing the familiar rattling sound.

Chris was soon able to grab the snake's tail and carries him to a rock.

"This is such a cool snake." Martin said and then brought his Creaturepod out. "Hey guy, we found a Black-tailed Rattlesnake. Look!"


In the HQ room, Aviva, Koki and Jimmy looked at the big screen as it showed the Black-tailed Rattlesnake.

"Wow." Aviva said amazed.

"Love the markings." Koki said.

"Well, it's cool." Jimmy said. "As long as I'm not next to it."


"And you can see how he got it's named." Chris said showing the black tail. "His tail is all back."

"Yeah." Martin said. "This is a cool snake."


The next day, Chris and Martin were exploring a riverbed, Amber was with them as well.

As they looked around, a bright coloration caught Amber's attention as she then screeched.

"What is it, Amber?" Martin asked.

They soon got to her and saw a snake hidden by a rock.

"Wow, a Desert Kingsnake." Chris said grabbing the snake. "Nice find, Amber."

"It's amazing how this guy can eat rattlesnakes for dinner." Martin said.

"Yeah, good thing that kingsnakes can withstand the venom." Chris said.

No one knows how a kingsnake has adapted to withstand the venom of a rattlesnake, but they did. And it's still a fearsome predator despite not having venom of it's own.

The kingsnake definitely shows their in the right area.

But then a stroke of bad luck hits them.

2 hours later, a storm appeared as it started to rain heavily.

Chris, Martin and Amber were forced to take shelter under a ledge from the rain till the Tortuga picks them up.


2 days later, after the storm has pass and bringing life with water. Chris, Martin along with Amber were back out and soon they came across some rocks with old paintings of rattlesnakes.

According to legend, the Anasazi people who were the ancient ancestors of the Pueblo Indians, they held snakes in high regard. But the snakes were rattlesnakes.

An hour later, Martin suddenly noticed a familiar black and orange lizard.

"Hey, a Gila Monster!" Martin said.

Chris and Martin then laid on the ground near the Gila Monster as it flicked it's tongue.

"Hey, I think it's Lockjaw." Chris said.

"It is." Martin said.

Lockjaw is a Gila Monster they've a while ago. During their Gila Monster under my Hose adventure, Wild Kratts kid Javier saw a Gila Monster crawled under his porch and he got scared and calls the Wild Kratts for help. Chris and Martin drove off to meet up with Javier, but unaware that Zach was spying on them again.

Chris and Martin soon arrived and saw the Gila Monster as they tried to show Javier that the Gila Monster is not something to be scared of. Zach however, as he was spying on them got interested after hearing that the Gila Monster has the jaw strength of a power wrench and and a myth of them not letting go till the sun goes down. And soon he had the idea to use Gila Monsters for power wrenches.

After a bobcat encounter, they followed the Gila Monster to a nest with eggs as the Gila Monster swallowed each one whole. And Javier was starting to like the Gila Monster.

Meanwhile, Aviva and Koki saw some Zachbots after Jimmy saw 1 as well. And saw they were collecting Gila Monsters, and soon they hurried over to Chris and Martin after their Hoverbike was destroyed by Zach's Disturrupt-to Beam and got the idea for Gila Monster Power Suits.

After alerting the brothers of Zach, Aviva got to work on the Gila Monster Power Discs as Chris, Martin, Koki and Javier soon discovered Gila Monster eggs. Then Chris and Martin went to look for Zach's plane as Koki stayed behind to guard the Gila Monster now named Lockjaw incase a Zachbot came by.

Chris and Martin soon found Zach's plane and got the Gila Monster Power Discs, and were able to sneak into Zach's plane after a little fun with a guarding Zachbot and a holographic Gila Monster. They soon activated Gila Monster Power and took out the Zachbots, but Zach launched them out from spring traps and started digging underground as Chris and Martin digs after him. They confronted him as Zach has gotten so confident and careless that a Gila Monster that hasn't been a wrench yet bites down on his rear.

With that, Zach was forced to give the remote to Chris as they released the Gila Monsters. And they took him to the Tortuga as the Gila Monster finally lets go as Aviva gave him a shot of anti-venom. And after the Gila Monster hissed at him, Zach quickly rushed off screaming. And soon, everyone joins Javier and Koki as the eggs started to hatch.

Amber curiously looked at the Gila Monster, and then sniffs him as Lockjaw quickly turns to her and bares his mouth open with a hiss. And it was enough for Amber to back away from him.

"Oh, careful, Amber." Martin said. "Gila Monsters have a strong bite and venom. That's why he has that bright color pattern."

Then a holographic screen appeared from Martin's Creaturepod with Aviva.

"How different is Gila Monster venom from snakes?" Aviva said.

"Well, where the fangs and venom glands in a snake is in the top jaw, a Gila Monster actually has them in the lower jaw." Chris explained. "Lockjaw doesn't have 2 fangs, he actually has 6."

"And a Gila Monster actually chews the venom into a victim." Martin said. "The longer he holds on, the more venom he delivers. And their teeth are grooved."

"The Gila Monster also has a cousin down south." Chris said. "Called the Mexican Beaded Lizard." He then showed a holographic screen of a Mexican Beaded Lizard. "It's more black with yellow spots."

"Yeah, and this guy will hold on for a long time." Martin said. "I've heard of people trying to use pliers and screwdrivers to pry Gila Monster jaws off them."

"You know, Gila Monsters are very fund with eggs." Chris said.

"Wait!" Martin said remembering something. "I have an egg in my pack." He then digs through his backpack. "Now where is- AHA!" He brought it out. "Okay, let's see what happens." He set the egg down.

Lockjaw soon noticed the egg, and then started flicking his tongue on it and seems to be getting interested.

"Looks like his interest is caught." Chris said.

Chris then got his forceps out and gently moved the egg so he can grab it. And then cracks the shell and made a hole in it.

"Hungry Lockjaw?" Martin said.

Soon, Lockjaw nears the egg again and started licking up the egg inside. And looks to be enjoying it.

"Looks like he's enjoying it." Martin said.

"Yeah." Chris chuckled.

They continued watching Lockjaw eat the egg, and soon he held his head up high as he swallowed more of the yolk and licked his lips.

Soon, they left Lockjaw to finish his egg.


The next day, they were still looking around the desert, and soon they got to a ridge of rock with a small cave.

"This is more like it." Chris said. "It looks promising."

"Maybe." Martin said. "But are rattlesnakes using it, for other animals are?"

"Hmm, let's see." Chris said. "I don't see any tracks coming in or out, so it has to be used by snakes."

"Guys, I think we found a promising spot." Martin said contacting the others on his Creaturepod. "Sending the location."


Less than 10 minutes later, the Tortuga lands near them as Aviva, Koki and Jimmy came out joining.

"It sure looks tight in there." Aviva said.

"That's why we'll be using Rattlesnake Power." Chris said holding his Rattlesnake Power Disc.

"And look." Martin said holding a piece of shed skin. "A piece of shed rattlesnake skin."

"Here you are." Aviva said holding their Power Suits.

Chris and Martin grab them and put them on and inserted their Power Discs into their suits. And soon activated into Rattlesnake Power.

"Let's get in there." Martin said.

Then Chris and Martin slithered into the hole and it soon leads down into a tunnel.

"Sure is dark in here." Martin said.

"Yeah, sure is." Chris said.

"How's it going in there, bros?" Aviva asked through Chris' Creaturepod.

"Well, it's dark." Chris said. "And if we were normal size, it would be a tight squeeze."

"Glad I'm not in there." Jimmy said.

Chris and Martin continue slithering deeper into the tunnel. They knew if there are rattlesnakes in this burrow, they would likely be sensing the vibrations of them. But since they were in rattlesnake suits, they wouldn't sense them as a threat.

Before long, they entered a large section.

"Hmm, seems like a large open area." Martin said.

They then switched to Rattlesnake Heat-vision to get a better look.

"Hey, I got some warm readings here." Chris said.

"Me too." Martin said. "Let's see what they are."

They then switched back to regular vision as then they saw a number of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes. And they were so amazed that they thought they just entered the liar of a dragon or the mythical Serpent.

"Whoa, we found a hibernaculum." Chris said.

"Amazing, there was be 25 of these snakes." Martin said.

"Guys, are you seeing this?" Chris asked through his Creaturepod.


"We're seeing it, Chris." Aviva said as they were staring at the big screen. "And it's hard to believe it."

"That's a lot of snakes." Koki said.

"I'm glad I'm not in there." Jimmy said.

"But why such a gathering?" Aviva asked.


"They gather in numbers to escape the freezing winter ahead." Chris said. "And it will be relatively warm in here rather than outside."

"I've even heard some rattlesnakes will return to the same burrow each year." Martin said.

"It really is amazing in here." Chris said.


Later that night, everyone was in the Tortuga.

"I still can't believe of what I saw." Koki said.

"I know, it's truly amazing." Chris said.

"You know, those paintings we saw actually spoke of a legend of giant rattlesnakes in the higher regions." Martin said.

"Do you think they're true?" Aviva wondered.

"I don't know." Chris said. "But it might be worth a look."


The next day, they managed to find a high mesa where it looks promising.

At the moment, Chris, Martin and Aviva were climbing up the side of the mesa to find if they can find a large rattlesnake. And Amber was with them, and was keeping up very well. Her claws give her great grip on the rocks allowing her to climb with no trouble.

"I think I see a ledge above us." Chris said.

"About time." Aviva said relieved. "My arms are getting a little tired."

Soon, Chris placed a hand on the ledge, but then a familiar rattling sound was heard as he quickly looked up and saw a rattle sticking out from a rock.

"Guys, I got something." Chris said.

Chris manages to climb over the ledge and helped Martin, Aviva and Amber up as well. And they saw the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake all tucked and curled among the rocks perfectly.

"Wow, look how big he is." Aviva said.

"He's gotta be 6 feet, probably." Martin said. "As big as Western Diamondbacks get."

Amber saw the rattlesnake as well, and was well keeping her distance.

"Wait, this is actually a she." Chris said. "It's tail is shorter."

"Well, looks like those legends of big rattlesnakes on mesas are true." Aviva said.

"Sure is." Martin said.

They looked at the snake for another few minutes before they finally decided to let the snake be.


The next day, everyone was relaxing and doing their own thing.

Amber however had her attention on something.

Amber curiously sniffs the Cleaner, Washer, and Selfier, and walks around it. And purrs as she climbs on top of it, and then noticed the green button that turns it on. And she curiously sniffs it.

And then Aviva glanced over to her for a moment, but then realized what she was about to do.

"Wait, Amber!" Aviva tried to stop her. "Don't push that-"

But then Amber accidentally tapped the button with her claw.

"Uh-oh." Aviva said knowing what's next.

And then the Cleaner, Washer, and Selfier started shaking as Amber was confused of what was happening. And then suddenly the robotic arms extended out, and then it started spinning around like a top with Amber on it and she was screeching in panic.

"I got you, Amber!" Martin said rushing over to her.

But as he nears her, he was suddenly knocked back by one of the robotic arms.

And then the machine started spinning around the room as they watched it. And then suddenly went pass the automatic door, and flew out of the front hatch.

And the others rushed out of the Tortuga and watch her flew away on the Selfier.

"What? This is going berserk!" Martin exclaimed. "Follow that raptor!"

And then Chris, Martin, Koki and Jimmy quickly raced off to catch Amber. While Aviva quickly rushed to the garage.


Meanwhile, Amber was still holding onto the machine clinging to it with her life. But was glad that the spinning at least stopped, but now she wanted to get off.

But behind her, Chris and the others were right behind her. And soon, Aviva on her Hoverbike was behind them as well. And soon they all got in a V formation.

"Let's try to cut her off!" Chris said.

And then Koki and Jimmy ran off to the left, and Chris and Aviva went off to the right to fan out as Martin stays right behind Amber.

And soon, they were able to form a circle ahead of her.

And then the machine came to a halt and started spinning like mad, and then the 5 began to close in.

"I've got you this time!" Aviva said rushing in.

"I'm on my way!" Martin called out.

And then the 5 near each other as they then made a jump for it.

But then the machine suddenly made a quick jolt into the air. And the 5 only saw everyone coming at each other and they screamed as they near.

BANG!

The 5 crashed into each other hard, and were completely dazed from the impact and saw Amber on the Selfier spinning around their heads as they dropped to the ground completely out cold.

And then the Selfier with Amber on it flew and then hits around some rocks like a pinball. And then flew back the other direction.

The Hoverbike hovered beside the unconscious group of 5, but then Aviva was the first to wake up and rubs her head from a massive headache. But the first thing she sees sitting up, was Amber on the Selfier coming right at them and made her yelped.

"Oh, no!" Aviva exclaimed.

She quickly got up and turns the Hoverbike around, and sets the other 4 on it and quickly drives off as Amber on the Selfier was quickly coming at them.

Aviva quickly puts the Hoverbike on full throttle, but Amber and the Selfier were still coming closer to them, and in sheer desperation, Chris and Martin hopped out and pushed the Hoverbike and ran as they quickly went faster.

"Go, go, go, go!" Koki yelled.

But then suddenly, a cliff was coming up, and then they were forced to come to a complete stop and skidded right to the edge. And Chris and Martin held onto the Hoverbike as Aviva, Koki and Jimmy were holding onto each other dangling from a 60 foot drop. And Chris and Martin glanced down at the height of the drop.

And then they nervously gulped and glanced back. And then suddenly Amber on the Selfier crashes into them, and they were sent flying up in the air as they screamed, and then momentarily floated in the air, and then zipped downwards as they fell and screamed.

And then they hit the ground with a massive hit.

On the ground, they were all flat on the ground and were groaning in pain.

"Ow." Jimmy groaned.

And then Amber slipped off the Selfier, and then it broke into several pieces.

"That... I'll fix, after I fix myself." Aviva groaned.


An hour later, the Wild Kratts and Amber have finally crawled back into the Tortuga's HQ room.

"Ooh, I don't think I can stand for a while." Chris said laying on the electronic table.

"Same, day off tomorrow." Martin groaned in pain.

"Week." Koki said lifting her hand.

"Month." Aviva groaned with a bag of ice on her head.


Author's Note:

That little Selfier ending is something I've scene from a series called Oscar's Oasis ep. Hunt for Red Hot Chili Pepper.

Next chapter, Amber will join the Wild Kratts in her holiday that involves Jack-O-Lanterns, ghosts, zombies and more.