Crotalus and Sistrutus

Rattlesnakes are large, venomous snakes found in North, Central, and South America. The most distinctive feature of the rattlesnake is the rattle at the end of the tail. When vibrated, the rattles create a rattling sound that warns off predators. There are nearly 50 species of rattlesnakes. Venomous snakes cause health hazards by biting people, pets, and livestock. If bitten by a rattlesnake seek immediate medical treatment. If antivenin is giving within 2 hours of the bite the probability of recovery is greater than 99%.

Identification – What do rattlesnakes look like?

Rattlesnake colors range from shades of brown, gray and black. They can also be yellow, cream, rust, olive and light pink. Rattlesnakes are thick in appearance and covered with scales. Their skin may have a banded, diamond, or blotched pattern. Some rattlesnakes have no pattern. They all share a distinctive triangular head and jointed rattles on their tail. Their tail is always blunted. Rattlesnakes have two eyes, two nostrils, pits under their nostrils, a forked tongue, and two large tubular fangs. Rattlesnakes have vertical and elliptical pupils that may look like thin lines in brightlight. (Nonvenomous snakes have round pupils.) Baby rattlers don’t have rattles but still have a blunted tail. Rattlesnakes are 1 to 8 feet long and can weigh up to 10 pounds. The average rattlesnake weighs 5 pounds.

Habitat and Habits of rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes live in the desert and woodlands. They like to make dens in rocky crevices, caves, and downed timber. Rattlesnakes need cool, damp shelters and may also reside under and inside buildings. They hibernate in these dens during colder months. They like to come out when it’s warm to bask in the sun. They tend to hunt at dusk, waiting for their prey to arrive. When the pray shows up, the rattlesnake will bite it, inject its venom, and eat the pray. Adult rattlers go about 2 weeks between meals.

When threatened, rattlesnakes will coil up their bodies, raise their head off the ground, hiss and hold their tail vertically to vibrate the rattle. If the warning isn’t heeded, the rattlesnake will bite and release its venom.

Rattlesnakes give birth to live young and they reproduce once every two years. Rattlesnakes live 10 to 20 years.

Diet – What do rattlesnakes eat?

Rattlesnakes are carnivores. Instead of chewing their food, they swallow it whole. Their favorite foods are small rodents and lizards.

Rattlesnake Control – How to get rid of rattlesnakes?

Discourage snakes from entering buildings by sealing all holes in foundations. Reduce cover and food supplies to discourage them from living in backyards. Eliminate cool, damp areas. Control insect and rodent populations.

If you find a venomous snake in or near your home, call a professional to remove the snake. Remember that venomous snakes can strike longer than your arm can reach. Do not try to kill the animal or remove it in person. Rocky Mountain Bird and Pest will remove the rattlesnake safely, and develop a rattlesnake control program for your home.