Rattlesnakes typically strike up to a distance equal to 1/3 to 1/2 of their overall length, although longer reaches are theoretically possible. Rattlesnakes, before striking, are typically coiled except for the forward part of the body which is raised and the rattle which is buzzing. Neither of the Sidewinder or the Timber Rattler are easily discovered until the passer-by is well within striking distance. When the day gets hot, the Sidewinder buries itself in the sand to keep cool, leaving just its eyes exposed which are protected by horn-like growths. The Sidewinder another often "hidden" rattlesnake,so named for its unusual side-sliding movements which leave "J" patterns in the sand. The Timber or Banded Rattlesnake a northeastern snake which is easily camouflaged on the forest floor. It is too small to be a fatal threat to a treated human, but horses and cattle bitten on the nose can die from the resulting swelling which blocks their air passages. The Prairie Rattler a smaller snake found in the great plains, also with a relatively nasty disposition. The Diamondback is responsible for most deaths due to snakebite in the U.S. The Diamondback a western rattlesnake which can become quite nasty when provoked. Fortunately this snake is relatively docile. The snake's 3/4" fangs are capable of penetrating almost any boot. Specimens have been captured as a large as 8-foot long and weighing 15 pounds. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake the most dangerous North American snake. There are many varieties in the U.S., the most predominant being: They give birth to living, poisonous young. Rattlesnakes are equipped for both day and night vision.
These pits are "heat detectors" used for hunting which are so sensitive that blindfolded snakes have been able to accurately follow warm-blooded prey (e.g., rodents) from a distance of 6 feet!
They get this title due their highly specialized venom apparatus which include two long hinged fangs and a pair of extremely sensitive innervated pits which are located between their eyes and nostrils. Three, the Copperhead, Water Moccasin and Rattlesnake, belong to a group known as pit vipers. There are four species of poisonous snakes in the United States. Nonetheless venomous snakes must be considered dangerous and even non-fatal bites can cause severe pain and long lasting tissue damage.
In fact more people die from wasp and bee stings than from snakebites. On average, fewer than 10 snakebite deaths are reported. Over 8,000 people are bitten by poisonous snakes in the United States each year. Reprinted with permission of TrailBlazer Magazine for non-commercial use.ĬORBA's Jeff Klinger shot this photo of a rattlesnake (c) 1994, Willis Lamm, TrailBlazer Magazine
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