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.
The Black-Tailed Rattlesnake is large and bold. The venom of this snake
appears to be highly toxic. Considered dangerous to man.
Larger than its close relative, the timber rattlesnake, the
canebrake is more irritable, ready to defend itself.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
This rattlesnake is a particularly nervous species. Ready to strike at any
intruder. Large enough to deliver a fatal bite.
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.
Western Diamond Back Rattlesnake
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.