Eastern Rattlesnakes are one of the most iconic and dangerous snakes in North America. They have a distinctive rattling tail, which is used to warn potential predators or victims that they are nearby. Eastern Rattlesnakes are found in many parts of the eastern United States, including Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Physical Attributes:
Eastern Rattlesnakes are large pit vipers with an average length between three and four feet. They have thick bodies and long tails that end in a rattle composed of keratin segments that produce a buzzing sound when vibrated. The scales on their backs can range from black to brownish-gray with a diamond or zig-zag pattern.
Habitat:
Eastern rattlesnakes are found in a variety of habitats including forests, swamps, wetlands, and fields. They primarily hunt small mammals such as mice and rats but can also consume birds and other reptiles. Depending on the location, they may hibernate during the colder months or remain active year-round.
Feeding:
Eastern Rattlesnakes primarily feed on small mammals such as rats and mice but can also consume birds and other reptiles. They use their heat sensing pits located near their nostrils to detect prey in low light conditions before striking out with lightning speed to inject venom into the target. The venom quickly renders the prey immobile and begins breaking down the proteins in its body for easy digestion.
Migration:
Eastern Rattlesnakes are generally not known to migrate far from their habitats unless prompted by extreme weather conditions or food shortages. Although they will occasionally wander outside of their typical range, these snakes usually return to their original home after a few weeks or months.
Social Habits:
Eastern Rattlesnakes are solitary creatures that only interact with other members of their species during mating season. They are very shy and would rather flee than fight if disturbed or threatened. If they feel cornered or scared, they will shake their rattles to make a loud noise as a warning signal before striking out with lightning speed to inject venom into an aggressor.
Interesting Facts:
• Eastern Rattlesnakes have the fastest striking speed of any other snake in North America – up to 7 feet per second!
• These snakes can survive for several months without food!
• They can sense the body heat of their prey with special organs located near their nostrils, making them effective hunters even in complete darkness.
• Eastern Rattlesnakes have a mild form of venom that is not fatal to humans but still has painful and sometimes long-lasting effects on its victims.
Conservation Status:
Eastern Rattlesnakes are classified as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to their wide range and abundance throughout the eastern United States. Despite this, they are still threatened by habitat loss due to human development, as well as illegal collecting for the pet trade.
The best way to help conserve Eastern Rattlesnake populations is by educating others about their importance in our ecosystems and avoiding disturbing or harassing them if seen in the wild. It is also important to never try and handle a rattlesnake, as even an experienced handler can be bitten and suffer severe consequences from its venomous bite.
Sources:
1. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/64447/59981921)
2. US Fish & Wildlife Service (https://www.fws.gov/northeast/easternrattlesnake/)
3. National Geographic (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/e/eastern-rattlesnake/)
4. Wildscreen Arkive (http://www.arkive.org/eastern-rattlesnake/#text=Summary)
5. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (https://cuvetservices.cornell.edu/species_profiles/venomous_snakes_of_north_america__eastern_timber_rattlesnake_____crotalus_horridus)
6. The Pennsylvania Herp Atlas (http://www.paherps.org/Species/CrotalusHorridus.aspx)
7. Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/eastern-timber-rattlesnake)
8. Defenders of Wildlife (https://defenders.org/eastern-timber-rattlesnake/basic-facts)
9. Florida Museum of Natural History (https://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/FL-GUIDE/EasternRattleSnakeFPage1of2NRC.htm)
10. Reptiles Magazine (https://reptilesmagazine.com/snakes/eastern-timber-rattlesnake/)
These are just a few of the sources used to create this comprehensive guide about Eastern Rattlesnakes, but readers can find more extensive information by consulting additional reliable sources or speaking with experienced herpetologists and wildlife biologists. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide, and we hope that it has helped expand your knowledge on these amazing creatures!
