How to Identify a Tiger Rattlesnake

Tiger Rattlesnakes (Crotalus tigris) are rare snakes found in the deserts of the southwestern United States. Even though these snakes are not commonly seen in the wild, they can be identified if you come across one. Here's how to identify a Tiger Rattlesnake.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn about the range of the Tiger Rattlesnake. This rattlesnake species lives only in the Sonoran Desert of Mexico and the southwestern United States.

2. Look for the Tiger Rattlesnake in its preferred habitats. Tiger Rattlesnakes live in desert foothills and canyons. They prefer very rocky and rugged areas and live at mountain elevations up to 1460 m. Very rarely is a Tiger Rattlesnake seen in flat parts of deserts with no rocks.

3. Observe the appearance of the Tiger Rattlesnake. These snakes have many closely spaced crossbands on their backs and sides giving them the name Tiger Snake. These crossbands are dark in color and irregular in shape and are composed of small dots. Usually, 35 to 52 bands are present on a single Tiger Rattlesnake. Tiger Rattlesnakes have a large rattle and a small fang, as well as a head that is small in proportion to its body.

4. Take note of a Tiger Rattlesnake's size. This particular rattlesnake species is a small one with adults ranging in length from 50 to 91 cm.

5. Watch the Tiger Rattlesnake's behavior. These rattlesnakes are active between the spring and late fall months. The highest amount of activity occurs after and during the summer desert monsoons. However, because Tiger Rattlesnakes are nocturnal snakes, humans do not commonly see them.

Tips & Warnings

• Tiger Rattlesnakes have more crossbands than other rattlesnakes in the western United States.
• The Tiger Rattlesnake has strong poisonous venom. If bitten by one, get medical attention right away.