ExploreReptiles

Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

The Prairie Rattlesnake is a cool snake that has a special rattle on its tail! It uses this rattle to warn others when it feels scared. These snakes are usually green or brown and can blend in with the grass.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Prairie Rattlesnake has a pale greenish-gray to yellowish base color, covered in dark, often diamond-shaped blotches outlined in white. Its distinct triangular head and the iconic segmented rattle at its tail-tip easily distinguish it from other snakes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyViperidaeGenusCrotalus
Prairie Rattlesnake
spotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgegrassland trait badge
Prairie Rattlesnake

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

4/5 · High

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Baby rattlesnakes are born alive and completely ready to hunt on their own!

Each time a rattlesnake sheds its skin, it usually adds a new rattle segment!

Prairie Rattlesnakes can survive months without food, especially during cold hibernation!

They use their forked tongues to 'smell' by picking up scents in the air.

Special abilities

Ability

Rattle Warning

Prairie Rattlesnakes can shake their tail quickly, creating a loud buzz to warn off threats.

Ability

Heat Vision

Prairie Rattlesnakes have special heat-sensing pits that help them 'see' warm-blooded prey in total darkness.

Ability

Perfect Camouflage

Prairie Rattlesnakes have mottled scales that help them blend perfectly into dry grasslands and rocky terrain.

Ability

Venomous Bite

Prairie Rattlesnakes possess powerful venom delivered through fangs to quickly immobilize their prey.

Measurements & details

Length
89-152 cm
Weight
0.5-2.5 kg
Lifespan
10-20 years
Top Speed
5 km/h
Clutch Size
4-25

Diet & Feeding

Prairie Rattlesnakes are carnivores that ambush small mammals and birds using their venomous bite.

Age differences: Young snakes eat more lizards and insects before switching to mammals.

Primary Foods

  • mice
  • voles
  • gophers
  • ground squirrels
  • rabbits
  • small birds

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

4/5 · High

If you see a rattlesnake, stay calm and walk away slowly. It's best to admire them from a distance!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Prairie Rattlesnake?

89-152 cm

How much does Prairie Rattlesnake weigh?

0.5-2.5 kg

How long does Prairie Rattlesnake live?

10-20 years

How fast can Prairie Rattlesnake move?

5 km/h

What does Prairie Rattlesnake eat?

Prairie Rattlesnakes are carnivores that ambush small mammals and birds using their venomous bite.

Where is Prairie Rattlesnake usually found?

Grasslands

How does Prairie Rattlesnake hunt?

Ambush

How many eggs does Prairie Rattlesnake lay?

4-25

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Reptiles