Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus |
Crotalidae (Pit Vipers) |
| The timber rattlesnake is a large bodied snake that reaches a maximum length of around 6 feet. The southern variation is found in the Mississippi Delta. They have black cross-bands on the dorsum with a body color that ranges from pink to gray to tan. The cross-bands are broken in half by a broad reddish-orange middorsal stripe on the upper part of the body. The timber rattlesnake also inhabits a wide range of habitats from lowland river floodplains to hilly regions. Timber rattlesnakes also eat a wide variety of prey including mice, birds, amphibians, lizards, and other snakes. | Like all vipers, timber rattlesnakes deliver venom through the two fangs
located at the top of the mouth. Their venom is also a Hemotoxin which
destroys
red blood cells, disrupts blood clotting, and causes tissue and organ
damage. Bites from vipers are very painful and potentially fatal
so they should be taken very seriously; SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
immediately if you are bitten by a viperid snake. You should never attempt to capture C. horridus unless properly trained and have the proper safety equipment. |