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Home > Snakes > Timber Rattlesnake

Timber Rattlesnake

Timber rattlesnake is a species of poisonous snake found in the eastern United States. There are no recognized subspecies of this species.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Subphylum Vertebrata
    Class Reptilia
    Order Squamata
    Suborder Serpentes
    Family Viperidae
    Subfamily Crotalinae
    Genus Crotalus
    Scientific Name Crotalus horridus


    Other Names Canebrake Rattlesnake, Banded Rattlesnake
    Length Around 91–152 cm
    Weight 1.3 to 2 lbs
    Color Yellowish brown or grayish dorsal color with black or dark brown crossbands, the crossbands are V shaped or M shaped with uneven zigzag edges; uniform yellow or with black markings ventral color; often a vertebral stripe of rust color is present; melanism is present as some members are solid black
    Distribution Southern Minnesota, southern New Hampshire, east Texas, north Florida
    Habitat deciduous forests where the terrain is rugged
    Diet Small mammals, small birds, frogs, mice, other snakes
    Hibernation Fact Hibernates during winter months in dens, may be in  groups which may contain other species as well
    Predators Coyotes, foxes, opossums, raccoons, domesticated and feral cats, eagles, hawks,  turkeys, owls, other snakes
    Venom Fact Highly venomous
    Breeding Season Middle of July to October
    Mode of Reproduction Ovoviviparous (producing young ones by means of eggs hatched inside the body of the parent)
    Litter Size 6 to 14
    Gestation Period Around 135 days
    Reproductive Age Males: 4 years of age
    Females: 7 to 11 years of age
    Average Lifespan Around 20 years
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

    Timber Rattlesnake Pictures Gallery

    Published on October 14th 2016 by under Snakes. Article was last reviewed on 24th August 2019.

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