In Franklin Mountains State Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, researchers are examining how environmental conditions and human disturbance influence the physiology and movement behavior of the Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake. As important predators within desert ecosystems, rattlesnakes help maintain ecological balance, yet relatively little is known about how increasing recreation and urbanization affect their activity patterns, physiological responses, and use of microhabitats. Research conducted in this urban desert environment will evaluate how rattlesnakes respond to environmental stressors and human activity in West Texas. Findings may strengthen understanding of wildlife adaptation in urbanizing landscapes and inform broader conversations about conservation, ecosystem management, and human-wildlife coexistence.