Snakes
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Across the regions where it's common, the Timber Rattlesnake peaks from May to October.
Shows up in 11 ecoregions and 20 states · venomous
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Snakes
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Description
The timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), also known commonly as the banded rattlesnake, and the canebrake rattlesnake in the southern United States, is a species of pit viper in the family Viperidae. Adults usually grow to total length of 91–152 cm (36–60 in).Wikipedia ↗
Habitat
C. horridus can be found in a variety of terrestrial habitats including lowland cane thickets (thus the common name canebrake rattlesnake), high areas around swamps and river floodplains, hardwood and pine forests, mountainous areas, and rural habitats in farming areas. During the summer, gravid females seem to prefer open, rocky ledges where the temperatures are higher, while males and nongravid females tend to spend more time in cooler, denser woodland with more closed forest canopy.Wikipedia ↗
When it's active
During the winter, timber rattlesnakes brumate in dens and limestone crevices, often together with copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) and rat snakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis, P. obsoletus, and P. spiloides). Males often mate farther away from winter hibernacula than females.Wikipedia ↗
Venom
The neurotoxic component of the type A venom is referred to as canebrake toxin, and is a phospholipase A2.Wikipedia ↗
Harmless look-alikes
When and where it's active
Each row is its own calendar, counted from records in that area. Seasons shift by place.
Ecoregions
States
About the Timber Rattlesnake
When is the Timber Rattlesnake most active?
Across the regions where it's common, the Timber Rattlesnake peaks from May to October.
Where does the Timber Rattlesnake live?
It has enough records to show in 11 ecoregions and 20 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Georgia.
Is the Timber Rattlesnake venomous?
Yes. The Timber Rattlesnake is venomous. Don't handle it, and give it room.
What snakes get mistaken for the Timber Rattlesnake?
Harmless lookalikes include the Gopher Snake, Pine Snake, and Eastern Hognose Snake.