Snakes

Rock Rattlesnake

Crotalus lepidus

Across the regions where it's common, the Rock Rattlesnake peaks from May to July.

Shows up in 1 ecoregion and 2 states · venomous

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Snakes

Rock Rattlesnake

Crotalus lepidus

venomous

Venomous. Do not handle. Give it room and let it move on. If you're bitten, call 911 or go to an emergency room. Don't cut, suck or ice the bite.

Look, don't take. Many states regulate collecting reptiles and amphibians. Photograph it, log it on iNaturalist and leave it where you found it.

Description

Crotalus lepidus is a venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and northern central Mexico. So, the snake's age cannot be determined by the number of segments or length of the rattle.Wikipedia ↗

Habitat

This snake is found in the Southwestern United States (southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and southwestern Texas) and northern central Mexico.Wikipedia ↗

When it's active

They breed once a year, in the spring, and give birth about four months later to six to eight young.Wikipedia ↗

Venom

Their venom is primarily a hemotoxin, but has been known to have significant neurotoxic effects, as well.Wikipedia ↗

Rock Rattlesnake — Jake Nitta · CC BY 4.0

iNaturalist ↗

Harmless look-alikes

Gopher Snake, Pine Snake, Eastern Hognose Snake, Plains Hognose Snake, Mexican Hognose Snake, Prairie Kingsnake, Desert Nightsnake, Chihuahuan NightsnakeSuperficially, gopher snakes resemble many species of rattlesnakes and are often mistaken for them. Animal Diversity Web ↗Non-human predators are likely to be discouraged from attacking gopher snakes when they are mimicing rattlesnakes. Animal Diversity Web ↗Rattlesnakes vs. gopher snakes, bullsnakes and hognose snakes →

When and where it's active

Each row is its own calendar, counted from records in that area. Seasons shift by place.

PeakShoulderQuiet

Ecoregions

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Texas Hill Country

States

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

New Mexico Texas

About the Rock Rattlesnake

When is the Rock Rattlesnake most active?

Across the regions where it's common, the Rock Rattlesnake peaks from May to July.

Where does the Rock Rattlesnake live?

It has enough records to show in 1 ecoregions and 2 states, including New Mexico and Texas.

Is the Rock Rattlesnake venomous?

Yes. The Rock Rattlesnake is venomous. Don't handle it, and give it room.

What snakes get mistaken for the Rock Rattlesnake?

Harmless lookalikes include the Gopher Snake, Pine Snake, and Eastern Hognose Snake.