Timber Rattlesnake

Characteristics

• Most adults grow to between 3 and 5 feet long
• Has dark cross bands on its back, but some individuals are completely dark
• Found across the entire East Coast and Midwest regions of the US

The timber rattlesnake is a venomous snake that is part of the pit viper family. The rattlesnakes most defining characteristic is the rattle on its tail that it uses to warn predators. The timber rattlesnake prefers to warn off potential threat but will bite if it feels threatened. These snakes prefer deciduous forests and rugged terrain with rocky outcrops.