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Project Noah Nature School
Crotalus horridus
Having a strike range of a few feet, this position means that a snake is being fully defensive. Timber rattlesnakes are one of the three venomous snakes found in Pennsylvania.
Though not one of our study snakes, we ran across this guy...who did not appreciate being startled!
Spotted on Jun 27, 2012
Submitted on Jun 29, 2012
5 Comments
OnemiJimeno, don't mistake defenses for aggressiveness! I've worked with these guys all summer and most don't even rattle, they try not to even be seen (which they're really good at) This guy I just happened to notice while herping at a stream that he was right next to, and my standing up while he was stretched out in the open 4 feet away triggered his very defensive position. They're really fantastic creatures, hike anywhere in PA and I bet you'll pass one...and probably never know the better.
LisaPowers, I have the Don't Tread on Me flag, I consider it very good advice. KarenL, done! Very interesting mission! And thanks williefromwi!! Means a lot!
Gorgeous spotting! Love timber rattlers...our first symbol for America!
not seemingly aggressive huh... great spotting.
Great spot! Please add to the Snakes of the United States mission which the Center of Snake Conservation is using to collect data on species.
very nice spotting of your timber rattler.