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Crotalus horridus
Adults usually grow to an average length of 91–152 cm (35.8-59.8 in). Dorsally they have a pattern of dark brown or black crossbands on a yellowish brown or grayish background. The crossbands have irregular zig-zag edges, and may be V-shaped or M-shaped. Often a rust-colored vertebral stripe is present. Ventrally they are yellowish, uniform or marked with black. Melanism is common, and some individuals are very dark, almost solid black.
Generally, this species is found in deciduous forests in rugged terrain. During the summer, gravid (pregnant) females seem to prefer open, rocky ledges where the temperatures are higher, while males and non-gravid females tend to spend more time in cooler, denser woodland with a more closed forest canopy.
the timber rattlesnake, is a species of venomous pitviper found in the eastern United States. This is the only rattlesnake species in most of the populous northeastern United States. No subspecies are currently recognized.
10 Comments
As this is a sensitive species, and like all species, is worthy of our protection, the locality information has been altered to protect this organism.
Thanks YogeshSave, Gerardo Aizpuru, Sergio and Karen! It was a fantastic trip with a great team of people!
Awesome! Looks like you had a successful weekend of herping Lisa!
I almost like it... Just kidding, it is beautiful, and this is a great photo.
Wow!
Wow!! gr8 capture Lisa..
Thanks chimetsetan! Good luck on your quest. it is always exhilarating to get your target species!
alicelongmartin: we were so excited to find this one! We found one DOR (dead on road) around midnight and decided we were not leaving until we found a live one...and we did! :-D
Cool spottings Lisa. The vipers stout body is very appealing to the eyes. Herpetofaunal extravaganza. :) missing the monsoon of south India. but hoping to find the toad of north soon. :)
He is one I would not want to stumble over!