Timber rattlesnakes are large, heavy-bodied snakes characterized by dark crossbands or chevrons on a lighter background. This species usually has a black tail, but there is considerable variation in the overall color of individual snakes. In the mountains, timber rattlers are usually yellow, dark gray, or sometimes almost solid black. In the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, timber rattlers, or "canebrakes" as they are known, have a pinkish background color and often a brown or orange stripe running down the middle of the back.
Ten Facts about Timber Rattlesnake
- Timber rattlesnakes are ambush predators that feed primarily on rodents. However, they will sometimes take birds that venture too near to them.
- Timber rattlesnakes are most common in the mountains and Coastal Plain. Timber rattlesnakes inhabit forested areas, and in the mountains, they will often hibernate together in large numbers.
- Timber rattlesnakes mate during the late summer or fall and the females give birth to 5-20 young the next year.
- In the mountains, the females do not usually reproduce until they are 9-10 years old and then only reproduce every 3-4 years.
- The timber rattler is one of the species of snakes typically used by religions that practice snake handling.
- Most timber rattlers are reluctant to rattle or bite, and instead, rely on their excellent camouflage for protection.
- The venom of timber rattlers is very toxic, and deaths from their bites have been recorded.
- Adults usually grow to an average length of 91-152 cm (35.8-59.8 in).
- Found in the eastern United States from southern Minnesota and southern New Hampshire, south to east Texas and north Florida.
- Predators includes dogs, birds, hawks.
