Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Crotalus, Species: Crotalus horridus
Venomous Status
Venomous; Solenoglyphous (long, retractable front fangs).
Danger Level
Extremely Dangerous. High risk due to large size, high venom yield, and potent toxicity; however, they are generally shy and reluctant to strike unless provoked.
Geographic Range
Eastern United States, from southern New Hampshire to northern Florida, and west to southeastern Minnesota and central Texas.
Conservation Status
IUCN Least Concern (though many state-level listings range from Threatened to Endangered due to habitat fragmentation and persecution).
Physical Description
Large, heavy-bodied snake with keeled scales. Features dark brown or black crossbands or 'chevrons' on a ground color of gray, tan, or yellowish-brown. The tail is solid black and capped with a keratinous rattle. The head is broad/triangular with vertical pupils.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen appears to be an adult. Typical adult range is 36–60 inches (91–152 cm), with a maximum record of approximately 74 inches (189 cm).
Habitat
Primarily deciduous forests with rocky outcrops; also found in swamps, floodplains, and pine woods. Hibernates in communal dens (hibernacula) in rocky crevices.
Behavior & Temperament
Generally docile and cryptic; relies on camouflage. If threatened, it will coil and rattle its tail as a warning. It is primarily crepuscular or nocturnal during hot summer months.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized ambush predator primarily targeting small mammals (squirrels, chipmunks, mice) and occasionally birds. Uses heat-sensing pits to track warm-blooded prey.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young). Females usually breed every 2–6 years depending on climate and energy reserves, giving birth to 5–20 neonates in late summer.
Venom Profile
Venom Type
Variable by region: can include primarily hemotoxic components (causing tissue destruction and hemorrhage) or neurotoxic components (notably Type B venom found in certain southern populations).
AI-generated — see a qualified source if acting on this. For any snakebite, call emergency services immediately.
Look-alikes
Eastern Diamondback (Crotalus adamanteus), which has a more distinct diamond pattern and facial stripes; and Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), which lacks a rattle and has 'hourglass' patterns.
Conservation Status
IUCN Least Concern (though many state-level listings range from Threatened to Endangered due to habitat fragmentation and persecution).
Cultural Significance
Historical icon of the American Revolution (featured on the Gadsden flag); ecologically vital as a top predator in forest ecosystems and helps control rodent-borne diseases.
Notable Features
Distinctive solid black tail ('velvet tail') and the ability to maintain long-term communal denning sites used by generations of snakes.