Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Crotalus, Species: C. horridus
Eastern and central United States, ranging from southern Maine south to northern Florida, and west to eastern Texas and Great Plains states.
Look up Timber Rattlesnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Crotalus, Species: C. horridus
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, though local populations face significant threats from habitat fragmentation, intentional persecution, and overcollection for the pet trade or localized harvesting.
Physical Description
Features a heavy-bodied build with a distinct, wide triangular head sharply distinct from the neck. Coloration varies from yellowish-brown to gray or nearly black, marked with distinctive dark brown or black crossbands or chevron-shaped patterns along the back. The tail often ends in a rattle and can be entirely dark or black.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen shown appears to be a medium-sized adult or subadult, approximately 90 to 120 cm in length. Typical adult size ranges from 90 to 150 cm, with maximum recorded lengths approaching 189 cm.
Habitat
Deciduous forests, rugged terrain, rocky outcroppings, river bottoms, and agricultural edges from sea level up to elevations of around 1,500 meters. Overwinters in communal dens in rocky crevices.
Diet & Feeding
Preys primarily on small mammals such as mice, voles, rats, squirrels, and occasionally birds. Employs an ambush hunting strategy, waiting motionlessly for prey to pass within striking range.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives live birth). Females typically produce litters ranging from 5 to 20 young every two to three years. Mating generally occurs in late summer or autumn, with young born the following late summer.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with the Eastern Massasauga, Pygmy Rattlesnake, and non-snakes like the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake due to coloration patterns. Distinguished by its large size, distinct chevron crossbands, and prominent rattle.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, though local populations face significant threats from habitat fragmentation, intentional persecution, and overcollection for the pet trade or localized harvesting.
Cultural Significance
Historically featured in American colonial history, most notably on the Gadsden flag ('Don't Tread on Me'). Ecologically important for regulating small mammal populations.
Notable Features
Possesses heat-sensing facial pits located between the eye and nostril used to detect endothermic prey, and a prominent caudal rattle composed of modified keratin segments added with each shed.
Notes
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