Reproduction of a Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes give birth to live young.

Rattlesnakes are pit vipers that are easily recognized by their rattles made of interlocking keratin rings. Approximately 30 different species exist throughout North and South America. Although the reproductive habits vary by species, all follow the same general cycle and give birth to live young.

Breeding Cycle

Rattlesnakes breed in spring to mid-summer. Males are attracted by the female's scent trail. According to the University of Michigan's Museum of Zoology, some females, such as the timber rattlesnake, carry the male's sperm up to a year before eggs develop. Most females breed only once every two or three years.

Live Birth

Female rattlesnakes are ovoviviparous meaning they carry their eggs inside their bodies until the eggs hatch internally. The gestation period is typically three to four months, and young are born in early fall. Depending on the species, rattlesnake broods consist of five to 20 young.

Rattlesnake Young

Rattlesnake young range in size from 7 to 15 inches at birth. Young are born fully developed with venomous fangs. According to the San Diego Zoo, young of some species are born with more venom than the adults. Although the mother snake may stay with her brood about two weeks, baby rattlesnakes are capable of living independently almost immediately.

References

• University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, Animal Diversity Web: Crotalus horridus--Timber Rattlesnake
• San Diego Zoo: Reptiles--Rattlesnake