The Timber Rattlesnake has a very large range of states that it can be found in. In Texas, rattlesnakes have 268,596.5 square miles, 3 different climate zones, and many different ecosystems to live in. I live in Rowlett, 150 yards from Lake Ray Hubbard. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D. C. pp. The western diamondback (atrox denotes "frightful" or "grim") accounts for nearly all the state's serious cases of venom poisoning. I woke recently to find a large (3feet long)dark grey snake coiled out in the open on fresh cut grass near a tree in my back yard. A re-evaluation of the subspecies of, Collins, Joseph T. Amphibians and Reptiles in Kansas University of Kansas Museum of Natural History Public Education Series (1):283 pp, Karns, Daryl, Ray E. Ashton, Jr., and Thomas Swearingen. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',117,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-large-leaderboard-2-0_1'); .large-leaderboard-2-multi-117{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}A number of different zoos and research facilities keep this snake species in their care. Western Massasaugas are nocturnal and secretivetwo traits that help the snake avoid confrontations with people. This is the only rattlesnake species in most of the populous Northeastern United States and is second only to its relatives to the west, the Prairie rattlesnake, as the most northerly distributed venomous snake in North America. 397pp. Timber rattlesnakes are almost entirely terrestrial rather than arboreal, however, they are excellent climbers. I have tried my best to gather accurate information for this article, but I have only limited expertise on the matter. Every penny counts! A few C. atrox close to 7 feet long, not counting the rattle, have come from the area of Starr County in the Rio Grande valley; despite constant reports to the contrary it is unlikely that any is larger. However, some individuals reach lengths up to 60 or 70 in. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Boston. vii + 106pp. Saw two copperheads directly in front of me on the cement trail. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Follow this link for more information on the Western Massasauga. To date, I have not heard of a sighting in, or substantially near, the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Spring herp counts: A Kansas tradition. Snakebites: The hidden health crisis that kills 200 people a day. A variety of different rattlesnakes can be found throughout many parts of Texas, in different types of habitats. Journal of Kansas Herpetology (8):20-21, Fitch, Henry S., George R. Pisani, Harry W. Greene, Alice F. Echelle, and Micael Zerwekh. Handbook of Texas Online, The snakes tiny fangs generally limit its ability to envenomate, and even with a successful bite the Western Pigmy Rattlesnake does not produce enough venom to deliver a fatal quantity. So Youve Been Envenomated By a Snake. Length: 39 54 in We were able to contain him and release him back out into the woods nearby. Banded Rock Rattlesnakes can be found throughout many states of Mexico. During the mating season, males compete for females and perform a courtship "dance." They will shake the tip of their tail in in dried detritus in order to create a rattling sound. The admins take their mission very seriously, and they strictly enforce the rules in order to provide the best support for emergency snakebite situations. Length: 36 60 in Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox). A western extension of known geographic range for the Timber Rattlesnake in southern Kansas. The venom of all three species contains both neurotoxically active peptide components and a larger complement of enzymatic fractions that destroy blood and tissue. Timber rattlesnake ecology. The good news is that a venomous snakebite, when properly attended to, is rarely fatal in the United States. Scientific Name: Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus II. 280pp. It is venomous, its bite could potentially kill you, need we say more? Before striking, Timber rattlesnakes often perform a good deal of preliminary rattling and feinting. Humans bitten by rattlesnakes and other pit vipers experience immediate severe pain, swelling, sweating and chills, faintness or dizziness, elevation of pulse rate, vomiting, and enlargement of the lymph nodes near the bite. County Breakdown: County Name (# occurrences): Allen (2); Anderson (2); Atchison (19); Bourbon (11); Chautauqua (27); Crawford (10); Doniphan (5); Douglas (95); Elk (7); Franklin (68); Geary (2); Jackson (2); Jefferson (9); Johnson (30); Leavenworth (23); Linn (7); Marshall (16); Miami (44); Montgomery (4); Osage (14); Pottawatomie (2); Riley (11); Shawnee (4); Unknown (16); Wabaunsee (2); Wilson (1); Wyandotte (2); This shy species is found in rugged terrain along heavily vegetated, rocky outcrops on partially forested hillsides. Click here to for more information about the Texas Coral Snake. Ecology and behavior of Timber Rattlesnakes in Kansas: A study of a widespread species at the westernmost limits of its range. Lee. Below, I have listed the seven or so venomous snakes that can be found in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is perhaps the most dangerous of all the snakes on this list. This genus can be distinguished from Sistrurus by the small scales atop the head, rather than nine large scales found on Sistrurus. Fitch, Henry S. Resources of a snake community in prairie-woodland habitat of northeastern Kansas. West of the Mississippi, the timber rattlesnake is found as far west as Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, and as far north as Minnesota. They have very little to gain from tangling with an animal the size of a human. Some county occurrences indicated below may be too imprecise to map above. Their scales are brown colored, and the bands are dark black. Harris, Herbert S. and Robert S. Simmons. Diamondback venom has more of the latter as well as about a third greater overall potency than the toxins of either C. viridus or C. horridus. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science 56():89, Smith, Hobart M. Handbook of Amphibians and Reptiles of Kansas. Scientific Papers of the Natural History Museum University of Kansas (17):1-7, Johnson, Richard W. Spatial ecology of the Eastern Coachwhip (, Guarisco, Hank. Mottled Rock Rattlesnakes are also not very aggressive when compared to other rattlesnakes on this list. These rattlesnakes can be found throughout the southwest of the United States and into Mexico. It can be quite alarming to discover a cottonmouth behaving this way, but it is a strictly defensive posture. Ugh morning nightmares about snakes tonight! The smaller western and desert rattlers, the massasaugas, also take cold-blooded vertebrates. Univ Press of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. You can find this snake throughout much of the eastern United States, but in many areas its distribution is quite patchy. This snake covers almost all of Eastern North America. Rundquist, Eric M. Field checklist (of) amphibians and reptiles of Kansas. If a venomous snake is encountered, a slow steady retreat on your part is the best course of action. Unless you or a family member are involved in an active snakebite, there is no reason to make posts or leave comments on this group. Thesis. Yarrow (1882) lists a specimen (USNM 4621) from "Kansas" collected by U.S. canebrake rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, velvet-tail rattlesnake Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Order Squamata . Its closely spaced brown dorsolateral blotches and comparatively slim head capped with nine large scale plates sets it off from rattlers of the genus Crotalus, as does its somewhat less potent venom. An additional note on Howard K. Gloyd. Physical Description. Their diet can also vary, though they mainly will just eat a variety of small mammals. Pisani, George R. and Henry S. Fitch. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes venom is a potent cocktail that includes neurotoxins, predigestive enzymes, and hemotoxins. While these snakes can be found throughout the southwestern United States, the Mottled Rock Rattlesnake can specifically be found in rocky areas of West Texas. Rapid early growth in northeastern Kansas Timber Rattlesnakes. The bottomline venomous snakebites are to be avoided at all costs. Secor, Stephen M. and Charles C. Carpenter. Adult males and non-gravid adult females prefer deciduous forests and woodland edges in an agricultural setting during the summer. Technical Publication of the State Biological Survery of Kansas 8():56-66, Collins, Joseph T. New records of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles in Kansas for 1980. Rattlesnakes in Texas (9 Species With Pictures), 3 Species of Rattlesnakes in Florida (With Pictures), 6 Species of Rattlesnakes in Utah (with Pictures), 3 Species of Box Turtles in Texas (Pictures), Tortoises in Texas: The One and Only Texas Tortoise. Your email address will not be published. University of Kansas Science Bulletin 37():1195-1443, Prophet, Carl W. An outline for conservation teaching in Kansas. Daniel, Richard E. and Brian S. Edmond. University of Kansas Museum of Natural History Miscellaneous Publication (52):1-247, Pisani, George R., Joseph T. Collins, and Stephen R. Edwards. First reported from Kansas by Cope (1859) based on a specimen from "Kansas" collected by Fort Riley surgeon William A. Hammond. Length: < 21 in They steer clear of dense vegetation, as they like open-air only. The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this entry. Collinsorum 5(2-3):4-5, Stengle, Anne. Thesis. In the spring and fall, they will change to a diurnal behavior. 86pp. Further, the nature of the Texas Coral Snakes fangs makes it difficult for the snake to effectively envenomate a human. It ranges from southern New Hampshire, west through the Champlain Valley, south through the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains, into northeastern Texas and north along the Mississippi River to Wisconsin. As mentioned earlier, the venom of the Texas Coral Snake is the most potent of any snake in North America, and bites from this snake are considered very serious. Glad to do it! For others it is simply insultingits easy to become angry when something essentially threatens to kill or injure you, no matter what the reason. Coral snakes make use of a powerful neurotoxin that is designed to paralyze the breathing muscles and thereby suffocate its intended victim. Be alert for the warning hisses, rattles, and other signs that indicate a snake feels threatened. Distributional patterns and trend data of Kansas amphibians and reptiles. We live in Southwest Dallas and have a live coral snake in a covered bucket. 199pp. Published: Aug. 3, 2021 at 1:31 PM PDT. These snakes prefer to live in rocky habitats and can often be found in man-made road cuts. Pages 83-97 in Herpetological communities: A symposium of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles and the Herpetologists League, August 1977. These snakes are most active at dawn and dusk, and are usually encountered on bike and foot trails in forested areas. Melanism is common, and some individuals are very dark, almost solid black. These snakes are perhaps the least aggressive type of rattlesnake found on this list. I confronted it with a shovel and it took off fast. 176pp. These rattlesnakes are also not very aggressive, mainly because theyre so curious, and dont bite very often, as theyll instead prefer to just rattle their tail or quickly get away! Collins, Joseph T. Amphibians and Reptiles in Kansas. Journal of Kansas Herpetology (37):5-7, Taggart, Travis W. Results of the KHS Spring Field Trip to Chautauqua County. Rattlesnakes, Wise as serpents. Humans have not domesticated these reptiles in any way. The pygmy rattlesnake (S. miliarius streckeri) is a gray, black-blotched little viper with an orangish-tan vertebral stripe and a rattle so tiny that the snake is known locally as the rattle-less ground rattler. Often, they wont even rattle their tail, instead preferring to blend into their surroundings, unless they are physically attacked. These snakes are carnivores, which means that they only eat other animals. Type A + B is found in areas where the aforementioned types apparently intergrade in southwestern Arkansas and northern Louisiana. The 9 rattlesnakes that can be found in Texas are the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Banded Rock Rattlesnake, Mottled Rock Rattlesnake, Blacktail Rattlesnake, Mojave Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake, Western Massasauga, and the Desert Massasauga. Rohweder, Megan R. Spatial conservation prioritization of Kansas for terrestrial vertebrates. Wildlife Research Reports 12. The Timber Rattlesnake in northeastern Kansas. They also prefer to eat small mammals such as rodents, though theyll also eat frogs and lizards. Across the United States cottonmouths are responsible for an average of about one death per year. We are a community-supported, non-profit organization and we humbly ask for your support because the careful and accurate recording of our history has never been more important. It was heading to a neighbors house and their dogs were out so I felt i had not choice, I had to confront and kill it. 2003 Summary with plans for 2004 and beyond. We need your support because we are a non-profit organization that relies upon contributions from our community in order to record and preserve the history of our state. 117. Score G - 200,000-2,500,000 km squared (about 80,000-1,000,000 square miles). 48pp. The northern copperhead has an unmarked, copper-colored head and reddish-brown, coppery body with chestnut brown crossbands. Plus, theyre considered to be one of the more dangerous snakes in the United States, as they are quite big, have long fangs, and have a high venom yield! Florida: 3 Florida has many snakes, but only three of its species are rattlers: Pygmy Eastern diamondback Timber Georgia: 3 Timber Eastern diamondback Pygmy Hawaii: 0 A combination of habitat destruction and purposeful killing have left populations in decline in multiple regions throughout their range. D. Went to Kansas: Being a thrilling account of an ill-fated expedition to that fairy land, and its sad results; Together with a sketch of the life of the author, and how the world goes with her. This is not always the case, however, and cottonmouths have been encountered in dry areas far from any standing body of water. All of these factors combine to make encounters with people relatively likely. In the United States, they are mostly only found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. However, they can also be found in desert grasslands, depending on their location. Timber rattlesnakes have a polygynous mating system in which one male mates with more than one female. Timber rattlesnakes are carnivores and their diet includes mainly small mammals. These slithery residents certainly aren . Your email address will not be published. Arm Topographical Engineers Captain J. H. Simpson collected in 1858. The desert massasauga (S. c. edwardsii) is a Northwest and South Texas massasauga. 294pp. On this site we share what we know and learn about reptiles to help you give your reptile the love and care it deserves. The Timber Rattlesnake ranges from central New England south to northern Florida and west to eastern Texas, central Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, southeastern Nebraska, southern and eastern Iowa, and southeastern Minnesota. Scientific Name: Crotalus lepidus limited the populations. Instead of fleeing when they are approached by a predator, these snakes will stand their ground, coil and rattle to warn off their enemies, and then strike if all else fails. The poisonous snakes of North America. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Pratt. Click here to read more about the Western Cottonmouth. It was in a fenced area with my chickens, that I love, almost as much as my kids (jk). If you are not knowledgeable about snakes, then I would recommend you use this article as a starting point for doing your own research. Their breeding season takes place from July to October and females reproduce every two to three years. Kansas Herpetological Society Newsletter (97):5-14, Rundquist, Eric M. Results of the eighth annual KHS herp counts Held 1 April-31 May 1996. Ventrally they are yellowish, uniform, or marked with black. Timber rattlesnakes usually hide in fallen logs waiting for prey to pass by, giving them an elevated perch from which to effectively strike their prey. Now What?! We just killed a coral snake this morning in far Southwest Dallas. Scientific Name: Crotalus horridus As winter approaches, these snakes find a rocky den to hibernate in. The timber rattlesnake was listed as an endangered species in New Jersey in 1979. Simon, Martin P. and Joseph H. Dorlac. The western diamondback rattlesnake or Texas diamond-back (Crotalus atrox) is a rattlesnake species and member of the viper family, found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.Like all other rattlesnakes and all other vipers, it is venomous.It is likely responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in northern Mexico and the greatest number of snakebites in the U.S. No subspecies . Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Pratt. Kansas Wildlife and Parks Magazine July/August():18-21. They tend to prefer rocky habitats that are arid or semiarid. In Texas, these snakes can be found throughout most of the state, other than the northern panhandle and East Texas. They are particularly fond of rocky areas, and often hibernate in cracks or narrow caves. Brown or tan with wide, dark crossbands. For the most part, they enjoy living in everything from rocky hillsides, flat plains, deserts, and forests. Amphibians and Reptiles in Kansas. Just went walking through a forested park area that I had been through more then twenty times. Doubleday, Pae, and Company, New York. Kansas Herpetological Society Newsletter (66):9-16, Coleman, Keith. Riedle, J. Daren. Herpetology of Missouri. However each species of rattlesnakes may prefer a slightly different diet or habitat. Copperheads can also make their homes in piles of wood, brush, or large stones. In Texas, they tend to only be found in the western tip of the state. Collinsorum 2(3/4):3, Taggart, Travis W. KHS 2012 Fall Field Trip to Atchison County State Lake. -Timber . Journal of Kansas Herpetology (6):21-24, Collins, Suzanne L. An arboreal Timber Rattlesnake. Potentially, the Timber rattlesnake is one of North America's most dangerous snakes, due to its long fangs, impressive size, and high venom yield. Taggart, Travis W. KHS 2012 Spring Field Trip to Bourbon County State Lake. Although these snakes account for very few bites each year, their venom is very potent. Long pants with a loose fit and made of a dense weave, like denim or canvas can also help. pp. Researches Upon the Venom of the Rattlesnake: With an Investigation of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Organ Concerned. Dorsally Timber rattlesnakes have a pattern of dark brown or black crossbands on a yellowish-brown or grayish background. 22pp. But snakes are often well camouflaged or well concealed, even the most sharp-eyed of us can have a close call from time to time. Across their range, this species lives in a variety of different habitats. Hurd, Myron Alec. Below are their recommendations for dealing with the immediate aftermath of a snakebite. Keep reading to learn about the 9 most common rattlesnakes that are in Texas, and where you can find them! Venomous: Yes. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_4',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_5',115,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-115{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}Some of the different ecosystems that they live in include forests, wetlands, swamps, mountainous regions, and more. Julie, Whew! Length: 35 45 in They almost always prefer to live in rocky habitats and often can be found in canyons. Because the dispersal of the toxins occurs very gradually, there is ordinarily a period of hours in which to obtain hospital treatment, and only a heavily envenomated small child (whose body-fluid volume could be too low to accommodate the plasma leakage brought about by the venom's perforation of capillaries) would require the temporary application of a tourniquet above the bite. 12pp. Thesis. Venomous: Yes. The primary functions of rattlesnake venom are to kill and predigest food animals, a process that starts with the metabolic dissolution of the victim's tissues well before the creature is swallowed. Southern Copperheads having dark bands that start wide on the snakes belly and then narrow as they meet at the top of the snakes back. Timber rattlesnake. pp. Hudson, G. E. The amphibians and reptiles of Nebraska. Length: 14 36 in Brown or tan with wide, dark crossbands. The timber rattlesnake is one of 36 species in the genus Crotalus. Kansas Herpetological Society Newsletter (68):5-6. The Timber Rattlesnake is found in the eastern third of the state of Texas. These snakes also have a powerful venom, and they have no issues rattling their tail and striking when they need to defend themselves! Very unnerving. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The distribution is spotty along the western and northern edges of the range. What could it be? Ecological Services Section, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism in cooperation with the Kansas Biological Survey. "The timber rattlesnake has quite a large range in Texas and although it is threatened by habitat loss and persecution by people, those threats do not appear significant enough at this time. No, this snake does not make a good pet. When prey is plentiful, rattlesnakes feed heavily and build up fat reserves that both support them through months of cold weather and enable the females to forego hunting during the latter stages of pregnancy. Click here to learn more about the Western Pigmy Rattlesnake. If you change your mind, you can easily unsubscribe. Its range runs up the Appalachian Mountains, with the northernmost populations in New Hampshire and Vermont. Researchers then use the venom to create antivenom, which saves the lives of snakebite victims. Averages 3 1/2 to 4-1/2 feet in length, and can reach seven feet. Cope, Edward D. Catalogue of the venomous serpents in the Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, with notes on the families, genera, and species. Annual KHS Field Trip held at Atchison State Lake. Second edition. Branson, Edwin B. Snakes of Kansas. I close by spending a little time discussing snake venom, first aid procedures, and how to protect yourself from snakebites. I have had a number of encounters with some species of venomous snakes, but I have never handled them. Kansas Herpetological Society Newsletter (112):11-18, Rundquist, Eric M. Kansas Herpetological Society herp counts: A 10 year summary and evaluation. In Texas, these snakes are mainly only found in Central Texas and all of West Texas. Kansas. Vertebrate animals on the Fitch Natural History Reservation (1948-2002) Kansas Biological Survey Report Number 188, Lawrence. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) Venomous: Yes. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. View 32 more photos of Timber Rattlesnake. These snakes are generally 36-40 inches long, but can grow past 5 feet, and are found in many regions of the eastern United States. We recommend joining the North Central Texas Wildlife Facebook Group. Timber rattlesnakes have a wide distribution across the eastern half of the United States. A preliminary account of the rattlesnakes with descriptions of four new subspecies. Kansas Herpetological Society Newsletter (123):19. Canebrakes range from the northernmost portion of Florida and west central U.S. to Texas. When given ample room, most Western Cottonmouths will retreat at the first opportunity. It is very common across all its range, and shows no specific habitat preference. Collins, Joseph T. and Suzanne L. Collins. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science 6():34-35, Cragin, Francis W. A preliminary catalogue of Kansas reptiles and batrachians Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science 7():112-123, Yarrow, Henry C. Check list of North American Reptilia and Batrachia with catalogue of specimens in U. S. National Museum. Because of their unusual pigmentation both races of rock rattlers are attractive to reptile fanciers and are therefore protected from capture by state law. The bands are mostly hourglass-shaped, with the wider portions of the shape on either side of the snake's body and the narrower . Collins, Joseph T., Suzanne L. Collins, and Travis W. Taggart. Timber rattlesnakes are also known as banded rattlesnakes. They spend most of their days basking or hunting for prey. * Note: Pit viper pupils can often appear round in certain . Some of the different ecosystems that they live in include forests, wetlands, swamps, mountainous regions, and more. in length (Oldfield and Moriarty 1994). The dark-edged, rounded, brown vertebral blotches on its forebody lengthen on the posterior trunk into transverse crossbars; its tail is banded with brown and tan. Black chevrons run from the neck down the back with a light orange-brown vertebral stripe down the middle. Of all the snakes listed in this post, copperheads are the ones that inflict the most bites on humans. With the exception of the Texas Coral Snake all of these snakes share very similar venom. Longtime recapture of a Timber Rattlesnake (. Timber Rattlesnake. Revisiting Kansas Herpetological Society field trip and Herp Count data: These snakes can especially be found in the Rio Grande Valley. The dorsal ground color of the western diamondback varies from yellowish or pinkish tan to dark gray brown, with or without the white-edged vertebral diamonds for which the snake is named. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Pratt. [15] Description Adults usually grow to total length of 91-152 cm (36-60 in). The Desert Massasauga can be found throughout different southwest states of the U.S., though in Texas its mainly only found in West Texas. The effect can be quite destructive and can result in significant necrosis. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. Disappearance of radio-monitored Timber Rattlesnakes. Collins, Joseph T. New records of amphibians and reptiles in Kansas for 1986. Oklahoma Herpetological Society Special Publication (3):1-57. University of Kansas, Museum of Natural History, Miscellaneous Publication (2):336, Wolfenbarger, Keith. Warner, Russell G. Reproduction, Movement, and Survival of the Eastern Woodrat. The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) was named by Linneaus in 1758, and the genus name, Crotalus, literally means "hollow in the rocks" after the denning habit the Timber Rattlesnake uses. https://www.tshaonline.org, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/rattlesnakes. For some people it can be very frightening. Third Edition. In the years since I first put this article together, I have remained very interested in the subject of venomous snakesparticularly with regards to how to respond to a snakebite in the field. When bites do occur, they should be considered very serious. Alan Tennant, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas. 131pp. Some other members of the Viperidae family include bushmasters, moccasins, lanceheads, and more.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'animals_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-medrectangle-3-0'); Like all rattlesnake species, this reptile has a hollow rattle at the tip of its tail that it uses to warn predators not to come too close. Every dollar helps. Pages 153-1270 in Report of the U. S. National Museum for the Year Ending June 30, 1898 , Washington, D. C. pp. State Wildlife Grant T7. Pretty sure we just killed a Western Diamondback at our house in Parker County (W. Fort Worth). They retain the eggs inside their bodies until they hatch, then give live birth to the young snakes.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-leader-1','ezslot_10',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-leader-1-0'); Litters contain an average of 10 young. Range The timber rattlesnake historically occurred in 31 states, but is now found in only 27 states. Red touch black, friend of Jack.. Annual Report of the United States National Museum 1893(2):337-487. They are actually beneficial to people because they consume a variety of small rodents that we consider pests. Kansas School Naturalist 5(3):16. Atlas of Missouri Amphibians and Reptiles for 2019. Found in the eastern third of the state in wooded areas in wet bottomlands.