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Information on Snakes | Information and Illustrations of Specific Snakes
Snakes of Massachusetts
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus (36-60", up to 74")
MA Status: "Endangered." Illegal to harass, kill, collect or possess.
Adult Timber Rattlesnake
Closeup of head
A robust, venomous snake, the timber rattler is equipped with a broad
triangular head, vertical pupils and heat sensitive pits. The body color
may be yellow, gray, dark brown or black, with dark, V-shaped crossbands
across the back. The pattern may not be obvious if the body is very
dark. The head is usually unpatterned and is covered with many small
scales. A distinct rattle on the end of a darkly colored tail produces
a buzzing sound when vibrated. When young, the rattlesnake has only
a small button on the tail. Body scales are strongly keeled
and the light colored belly is flecked with
dark spots.
Mating usually occurs in summer or fall. Females incubate eggs within their
bodies by basking, and give birth the following year to 6-10 young from
mid-August through September. Female rattlesnakes typically give birth
every two or three years.
Although rocky forested hill-sides with southern exposures are essential as winter
habitat, rattlesnakes prefer dense forests with a thick understory for
foraging. They bask during the day and forage at night, when prey is
most abundant. Rattlesnakes prey on a variety of warm-blooded animals,
including: mice, chipmunks and other squirrels, rabbits, shrews, moles,
weasels and birds. Occasionally, rattlesnakes will also feed on insects,
amphibians and other snakes. When threatened, they vibrate their tails
to produce a loud buzzing sound that is difficult to miss. They are
not particularly aggressive and bites are rare. In Massachusetts, rattlesnakes
are so rare that they are almost never encountered by people.
More Information on Timber Rattlesnake
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