How to Identify a Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is a widespread rattlesnake in the eastern and central United States. Identifying the Timber Rattlesnake is not difficult if you know where to look and what to look for. Here's how to identify a Timber Rattlesnake.
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Instructions
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Learn about the range of the Timber Rattlesnake. This species lives in the central and eastern United States as far south as parts of northern Georgia and as far north as parts of southern New Hampshire. It also lives as far west as southern Minnesota and northeastern Texas. The Timber Rattlesnake can also be found in Canada (specifically in southern Ontario). In this large range however, the distribution of the Timber Rattlesnake is often patchy.
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Take note of the Timber Rattlesnake's preferred habitats. Timber Rattlesnakes live near rock outcrops and rugged areas, as well as in prairies, valleys and open areas. In the summer, Timber Rattlesnakes often live in deciduous forests, and in the winter, you'll find them using cracks and crevices in rocks for dens and hibernation.
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Observe the Timber Rattlesnake's appearance. The color of the Timber Rattlesnake ranges from yellow to orange to brown to gray. Snakes of this species also have dark bands running across their backs and yellow colored heads. The tail of the Timber Rattlesnake is black in color, thick and short. The rattle appears tan in color. There are dark colored stripes behind the eyes, and two small pits between their nostrils and eyes. Juveniles of this species look similar to the adults.
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Take note of the size of a Timber Rattlesnake. This species is very large, ranging in length from 90 to 150 cm.
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Watch the behavior of the Timber Rattlesnake. Timber Rattlesnakes can swim, and they like to climb rocky ledges. These solitary snakes prefer to be left alone and tend to live in remote areas. Unless provoked, Timber Rattlesnakes are docile in nature. In the summer months, Timber Rattlesnakes are active during both the daytime and the nighttime. In the spring and fall, they are only active during the daytime hours.
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Tips & Warnings
The Timber Rattlesnake is typically the only rattlesnake that lives in the eastern and central United States.
The Timber Rattlesnake usually comes out of hibernation between April and early May.
Timber Rattlesnakes have wide heads and thick bodies.
The Timber Rattlesnake is poisonous. If you have been bitten by one, get medical attention right away.
