Snakes
Rattlesnakes
Snake Repellent Snake Trap
Over 20 different species of rattlesnakes are recognized in the United States.
Some seldom reach a length of 2 feet and a few reach over 7 feet. All possess a
rattle at the end of the tail. A facial pit is located between the eye and
nostril. Crotalus have small scales on top of the head and Sistrurus, the Pigmy Rattlesnakes, possess large scales on top of the head. The
eyes are small, the pupils are elliptical.
All bites from rattlesnakes are dangerous, the Mojave Rattlesnake
appears to have the most toxic venom among the rattlesnakes in the United States.
Poisonous Snake Index Rattlesnake Index
Venomous Snake Pictures
Black-Tailed Rattlesnake
Crotalus m. molossus
The Black-Tailed Rattlesnake is large and bold. The venom of this snake
appears to be highly toxic. Considered dangerous to man.
Average length 3 feet, maximum length 5 feet.
Canebrake Rattlesnake
Crotalus h. atricaudatus
Larger than its close relative, the timber rattlesnake, the
canebrake is more irritable, ready to defend itself.
Average length 3 feet, maximum length 6 feet.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus
The Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake is the largest of all venomous snakes in the
United States. Sullen disposition, bold and sometimes aggressive. Fangs can
measure one inch in large specimens. Venom is toxic.
Average length 5 feet, maximum length 7 feet.
Massasauga Rattlesnake
Sistrurus c. catenatus
Venom of the Massasauga rattlesnake is highly toxic to man. There are
authenticated fatal bites in man. Often called the Black Snapper or Swamp
Rattler. Found in bog areas, swamps and dry fields.
Average length 2 feet, maximum length 3½ feet.
Mojave Rattlesnake
Crotalus s. scutulatus
Habits of the Mojave rattlesnake similar to western diamondback
rattler. This species has the most toxic venom of any North American
rattlesnake. It is very important to recognize the Mojave rattlesnake's severe
respiratory distress. It is often accompanied by its bite. Considered
extremely dangerous to man, fatalities are known.
Average length 3½ feet, maximum length 4 feet.
Pacific Rattlesnake
Crotalus v. oreganus
The Pacific rattlesnake is diurnal in its habits. Bites from this species are
common in the Northwestern states. Large enough to cause a fatality. Pacific
rattlesnakes can be found from sea level to 11,000 feet.
Average length 3½ feet, maximum length 5 feet.
Pigmy Rattlesnake
Sistrurus m. barbouri
Often called ground rattlesnake with a tiny rattle that sounds like an insect buzz
and can be heard for just a few feet. Venom of the Pigmy rattlesnake is toxic but
only a small amount is usually injected into a bite, not considered fatal to a healthy
adult.
Average length 18 inches, maximum length 2 feet.
Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus v. viridus
This species has wide distribution and is common in many areas. The Prairie
rattlesnake is responsible for many snake bites. Venom is toxic, fatalities are
known.
Average length 3 feet, maximum length 5 feet.
Sidewinders
Crotalus cerastes
A small desert rattlesnake which is a growing concern for snakebites because of
residential and recreational areas that are built in the desert. Fatalities are rare
from sidewinder rattlesnake bites because of small quantities of venom.
Average length 18 inches, maximum length 2½ feet.
Speckled Rattlesnake
Crotalus m. pyrrhus
This rattlesnake is a particularly nervous species. Ready to strike at any
intruder. Large enough to deliver a fatal bite.
Average length 3½ feet, maximum length 4½ feet.
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
The Timber rattlesnake is sometimes mild tempered and does a good deal of rattling
before striking. Commonly found in rocky wooded hills in the northern part of its
range. Fatalities are known from the bite of this snake.
Average length 3½ feet, maximum length 6 feet.
Western Diamond Back Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is a large aggressive rattlesnake involved in
many snakebites every year in the United States. Having large fangs capable of
delivering a large amount of venom in one bite.
Average length 4½ feet, maximum length 6½ feet.