Timber rattlesnake

Description:

The first rattlesnake encountered by European colonist, the timber rattlesnake is also one of the most persecuted snakes in the United states. It is highly variable in coloration, ranging from black to dark brown, light brown, yellow, or light gray, with an overlying pattern of variable dark bands and an almost entirely black tail. Light colored specimens may have orange vertebral stripes.

Habitat:

In montane woodland and lowland swamps.