Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus Horridus

General Description:

• stout bodies, with a triangular shaped head
• rigid rough looking scales
• colors range from black or dark brown to yellow, with dark colored bands
• May reach up to 5ft in length
• not an aggressive snake at all

Habitat:
The preferred habitat is deciduous forests, but in the winter when hibernating, rocky outcrops provide them with protection from harsh weather.

coloration and patterns greatly vary

Reproduction:

• mating occurs in spring or fall
• gestation period is 4-5 months
• usually reproduces every 2-3 years
• gives birth to an average of 9 babies enclosed in an individual egg

fangs retreat and rest along mouth whe closed

Niche:

• carnivore
• predator
• prey(for large birds of prey, other snakes)
• diet consists of small mammals such as rats, rabbits, chipmunks, shrews, moles, and occasionally small amphibians

Status:

• Species of Concern
• not yet threatened or endangered
• being observed and closely monitored
• protected under specific regulations by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

Why is it a Species of Concern?

in most cases of timbersnake biting humans, the snake was harmed, bothered or felt threatened

• destruction of habitat
• hunting and poaching
• illegal collection and killing
• high mortality rate

Recovery Plan:

• you must have a license to hunt capture or collect throughout the whole year
• can not keep or kill them(unless in imediate danger), must let them go
• education for public
• collect tissue samples to observe genetic variations

More information:

• mother rattlesnakes incubate their eggs by basking in the sun
• mild tempered snake; they will play dead, hide, or rattle their tail as a warning before actually striking
• rattlesnakes can control the amount of venom they disperse
• timber rattlesnakes can recognize siblings, even if separated at birth

very dossile snake,not usually agressive

8 days after a timber bite

http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/outreach/accounts/reptiles/snakes/Timber_Rattlesnake/index.htm&2

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/fl-guide/Crotalushorridus.htm

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/wrcf/Keynotes/spring02/projects.htm