The timber rattlesnake, also known as the canebrake rattlesnake in some places, is one of the most common venomous snakes in the eastern United States.

Other local names besides the timber and canebrake rattlesnake include the black rattlesnake, American viper, banded rattlesnake, and eastern rattlesnake. But whatever they’re called, this species should be avoided at all costs. These are highly dangerous snakes that have evolved a rattle to signify the threat they pose to other animals. This article will cover some interesting facts about the identification, habitat, diet, and distribution of the timber rattlesnake.

5 Timber Rattlesnake Amazing Facts

• The timber rattlesnake’s reproductive season takes place from spring to late summer. Males compete for potential mates by doing a courtship dance in which it slides up to the female, rubs his body against her, and curls his tail up underneath her. Females tend to reproduce every two or three years. She can produce up to 20 baby rattlesnakes in a single clutch.
• Like all other pit vipers, the timber rattlesnakes have pit organs located between their nostrils and eyes to sense changes in the temperature of the surrounding environment.
• Because they are so intolerant to cold weather, the timber rattlesnake hibernates for up to seven months during the winter. A single den can accommodate 15 to 60 snakes at a time. When warmer weather arrives, the snakes will migrate several miles from the den to hunt for prey.
• Timber rattlesnakes are considered to be excellent climbers. One of the most interesting facts is that they have been found in trees up to some 80 feet high.
• The timber rattlesnake was designated as the state reptile of West Virginia in 2008. It was also a potent symbol of the early American settlers and revolutionaries.

Where to Find Timber Rattlesnakes

Timber rattlesnakes are found in various locations such as hardwood forests, swamps, agricultural fields, and rocky hills throughout the eastern half of the United States. Historically, they were also located as far north as Canada. The snakes found at higher elevations are generally referred to as timber rattlers. The snakes at lower elevations, especially in their range near the coast, are generally referred to as canebrakes. While these snakes do have a winter den, they lack a permanent year-long home.

Timber Rattlesnake Scientific Name

The scientific name of the timber rattlesnake is Crotalus horridus. Crotalus derives from the Greek word krotalon, which means rattle. This genus includes most of the world’s known rattlesnakes, including the western diamondback and the sidewinder. The species name horridus means shaggy, bristling, horrid, or fearful. They are a member of the viper family.

Timber Rattlesnake Population & Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List, the timber rattlesnake is a species of least concern. General population estimates are not available, but numbers appear to be decreasing throughout most of their natural range. These snakes often fall victim to habitat loss and road accidents. Their natural swamp and wetland habitats are some of the most at-risk locations around the country.

How to Identify Timber Rattlesnakes: Appearance and Description

The timber rattlesnake can be distinguished from other members of its genus by the dark vertical zig-zag bands (usually containing black or dark brown colors) set against the otherwise gray, brown, or almost pinkish body. There is also an orange or yellow stripe running straight down the back and along the head. Several different color morphs are recognized, including a black color morph and a yellow color morph.

The scales along the back are heavily keeled. This means they are extremely rough to the touch and stand out slightly from the skin. The rattle at the end of the tail, which is actually composed of five or six “buttons” made from keratin (the same substance as hair and fingernails), makes a familiar warning sound when it’s shaken to send an ominous signal to potential predators and threats.

Baby rattlesnakes and juveniles look similar to adults, except they only have a single button on the rattle as well as a stripe from the eyes to the jaw. Adults generally measure anywhere between 3 and 5 feet long (a few exceptional specimens can reach 7 feet). The sexes appear similar to each other, but there is a noticeable size difference. The males weigh about 2 pounds, whereas females weigh around 1.3 pounds, which should make identification between them easier. Read about the largest timber rattlesnake ever recorded.

Here is how to identify the timber rattlesnake:

• Gray, brown, or tan skin colors with pinkish hue
• Black or dark brown cross-band colors with zig-zag edges
• Rattle at the end of the tail with five or six buttons
• Pit organ located between nostrils and eyes
• Vertical pupils

Timber Rattlesnake: How Dangerous Are They?

Timber rattlesnakes are considered to be one of the more dangerous animals in the eastern part of the United States. Their large size, long fangs, and high venom delivery mean they pack a potent punch. Immediately after the snake delivers its bite, the venom will start to cause pain, swelling, excessive bleeding, and various neurological symptoms. Because the venom prevents the wound from properly closing, there is a small chance that a person would bleed out and die, so medical attention should be sought immediately. On account of their large size and potent venom, adult timbers have few natural predators in the wild, but baby rattlesnakes and juveniles are sometimes in danger of falling victim to predators.

Timber Rattlesnake Behavior and Humans

Although their venom is quite dangerous, the timber rattlesnake is not considered to be all that aggressive. Unless directly threatened or provoked, the snake will only strike people after performing a long series of rattling and defensive maneuvers. It will usually prefer to run away and hide. As long as you’re aware of your surroundings and don’t surprise this snake by accident, the chances of receiving a bite shouldn’t be too high. Even then, with proper treatment the long term prognosis for everyone is quite good.

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