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Snakes
Rattlesnakes
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.