A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with banded patterning ranging from yellow-and-black to dark phases. Among the most docile rattlesnakes — relies on camouflage and rarely rattles unless touched. Extirpated from much of historic range.

Also called: Banded Rattlesnake, Canebrake Rattlesnake (southern populations)

Native status: Native; endangered or threatened in many northeastern states

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 76–152 cm (2.5–5 ft); largest recorded 188 cm (74 in)
Weight1.4–6.8 kg (3–15 lb)
LifespanWild 20–30 years; oldest documented 30+
OrderSquamata
FamilyViperidae

§ Encyclopedia

The timber rattlesnake, also known commonly as the banded rattlesnake, and the canebrake rattlesnake in southern United States is a species of pit viper in the family Viperidae. The species is native to the eastern United States. Like all other pit vipers, it is venomous, with a very toxic bite. Its venom is extremely potent, and both hemorrhagic and neurotoxic venom are present depending on population and location. C. horridus is the only rattlesnake species in most of the populous Northeastern United States and is second only to its relatives to the west, the prairie rattlesnake, as the most northerly distributed venomous snake in North America. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid.

Source: Wikipedia — Timber rattlesnake Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Heavy-bodied with chevron-shaped dark bands across a yellow, brown, or nearly black background; black-tipped rattle. Triangular head, vertical pupils.

Similar species. Eastern Diamondback (distinct diamond pattern, southeast only). Copperhead (smaller, hourglass-shaped bands, no rattle).

Voice. Buzzes its rattle as a defensive warning — segment count does NOT equal age (segments added at each shed, broken off over time).

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small mammals (rabbits, squirrels, rodents); also birds, lizards. Ambushes from concealment using heat-sensing pits to detect warm-blooded prey.

Behavior. Slow-moving and docile compared to other rattlesnakes — relies on superb camouflage. Hibernates communally in den sites (hibernacula) used for generations.

§ Range

Eastern US (declining); declining or extirpated in north

§ Habitat

Mature deciduous forests, rocky hillsides, mountain slopes

§ Threats

Killing at hibernacula by snake-hunters, habitat fragmentation, road mortality, persecution.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the timber rattlesnake is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Don't disclose hibernacula locations. Don't kill rattlesnakes. Support state protection laws.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
  • Save the Snakes
  • The Orianne Society
  • IUCN Red List 2007