Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Crotalus, Species: C. horridus
Venomous Status
Venomous; Solenoglyphous (large, retractable hollow fangs located at the front of the upper jaw).
Danger Level
Extremely Dangerous; this is a large, heavy-bodied rattlesnake with high venom yield. Potential for life-threatening envenomation is high, though they are generally reluctant to strike.
Geographic Range
Eastern North America, ranging from southern New Hampshire and Minnesota, south to eastern Texas and north Florida.
Conservation Status
IUCN Least Concern globally, but many northern states list it as Endangered or Threatened due to habitat fragmentation and intentional killing.
Physical Description
Heavy-bodied snake with keeled scales. Gray, tan, or yellowish-brown ground color with distinct dark brown or black chevrons or V-shaped crossbands. A dark stripe often runs behind the eye. Brille (eye) has vertical pupils. Tail is solid black ending in a rattle.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen appears to be an sub-adult/adult approx. 80-100cm. Typical adult range is 90 to 150 cm; maximum recorded length is 189 cm.
Habitat
Primarily deciduous forests with rocky ridges and talus slopes (northern range) or cane-brakes and river bottoms (southern range). Elevation from sea level to over 2,000 meters.
Behavior & Temperament
Generally mild-tempered and sedentary. Relies on camouflage to avoid detection; will rattle or coil defensively if harassed. Predominantly crepuscular or nocturnal during hot summer months.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized predator of mammals (squirrels, chipmunks, mice). An ambush hunter that uses heat-sensing pits to locate warm-blooded prey, dispatching it with venom and tracking the scent trail.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Low reproductive rate; females often breed every 3-4 years. Litter size ranges from 5 to 20 young usually born in late summer.
Venom Profile
Venom Type
Variable; often hemotoxic and cytotoxic causing localized tissue destruction, hemorrhage, and coagulation issues. Some populations (Type B) possess neurotoxic components.
AI-generated — see a qualified source if acting on this. For any snakebite, call emergency services immediately.
Look-alikes
Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) lacks the black tail/rattle and has hourglass patterns. Eastern Hognose (Heterodon platirhinos) has an upturned snout and lacks chevron patterns.
Conservation Status
IUCN Least Concern globally, but many northern states list it as Endangered or Threatened due to habitat fragmentation and intentional killing.
Cultural Significance
Historical symbol of the American Revolution (Gadsden flag 'Don't Tread on Me'). Ecologically vital for controlling rodent populations and limiting the spread of tick-borne diseases.
Notable Features
Features a 'velvet tail' (solid black) and a rattle composed of modified scales. Highly developed heat-sensing loreal pits located between the eye and nostril.