Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus
A widespread western rattlesnake found from forested foothills to coastal scrub, recognizable by its dark blotched pattern and prominent tail rattle.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.9-1.5 m (3-5 ft)
- Range
- Western North America from British Columbia through California
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Overview
The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake is a subspecies of the western rattlesnake complex and one of the most commonly encountered venomous snakes along the Pacific coast of North America. It occupies an enormous range of habitats, from sea-level grasslands to montane forests.
It is an ambush predator that relies on cryptic coloration and its rattle to warn off potential threats before resorting to a defensive strike.
How to identify it
- Background color ranges from olive, brown, or gray to almost black
- Dark brown or black blotches down the back that may fade to bands near the tail
- Broad, triangular head distinct from a narrower neck
- Vertical, elliptical pupils
- Heat-sensing pits between eye and nostril
- Segmented rattle at tail tip
- Distinguished from gopher snakes by the rattle, triangular head, and pit organs
Habitat & range
Found in a wide variety of habitats including grasslands, chaparral, woodlands, coniferous forest edges, and rocky outcrops. Occurs from sea level up to about 3,000 m (10,000 ft) in some mountain ranges. Often associated with talus slopes, rock piles, and rodent burrows used for shelter and overwintering.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily active in the morning and evening during warm months, becoming more nocturnal in hot weather. Feeds mainly on small mammals such as ground squirrels and mice, along with birds and lizards. Bears live young in late summer or early fall after a gestation of several months. Generally shy and prefers to retreat or rattle rather than strike.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake dangerous?
Yes, it is venomous and its bite can be medically significant, though it typically avoids humans and gives warning rattles.
Where does it live?
It ranges across the western United States and into British Columbia, occupying diverse habitats from coastal scrub to mountain forests.
How can I tell it apart from a gopher snake?
The rattlesnake has a triangular head, heat-sensing pits, elliptical pupils, and a rattle, while gopher snakes lack all of these.
What does it eat?
Mainly small mammals like ground squirrels, along with birds and occasional lizards.
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Northern Pacific Rattlesnake.
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake identified by the community
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