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Western Rattlesnake

Crotalus oreganus

The Western Rattlesnake is a cool snake known for its rattling tail! It uses its rattle to warn others when it feels scared. These snakes can be found in many places and are important for nature.

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The Western Rattlesnake has a stout body with diamond or blotchy patterns, usually in shades of brown, tan, or grey, edged in white or cream. Its triangular head is notably broader than its neck, and it famously ends with a segmented rattle, making it distinct from non-venomous snakes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyViperidaeGenusCrotalus
Western Rattlesnake
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Western Rattlesnake

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

5/5 · Extreme

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A rattlesnake's strike is incredibly fast, faster than a blink, but only covers a short distance!

Their fangs are like tiny, foldable hypodermic needles that inject venom into prey!

They add a new segment to their rattle each time they shed their skin, but not every year!

Unlike most snakes, Western Rattlesnakes give birth to live baby snakes, not eggs!

Special abilities

Ability

Heat Vision

Western Rattlesnake can 'see' warm-blooded prey using special pits on its face that detect heat, even in total darkness.

Ability

Sound Alarm

Western Rattlesnake can vibrate its unique tail segments to create a loud, distinctive rattle, warning off potential threats.

Ability

Silent Strike

Western Rattlesnake has retractable, hollow fangs that deliver potent venom, allowing it to quickly immobilize its prey.

Measurements & details

Length
50-165 cm
Weight
0.2-1.5 kg
Lifespan
10-20 years
Top Speed
5 km/h
Clutch Size
3-12

Diet & Feeding

This snake is a carnivore, primarily hunting small mammals and birds using its venomous bite.

Age differences: Younger rattlesnakes may consume a higher proportion of lizards and smaller rodents than adults.

Primary Foods

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

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Rattler

Collections

Safety

Danger

5/5 · Extreme

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 Western Rattlesnake?

50-165 cm

How much does Western Rattlesnake weigh?

0.2-1.5 kg

How long does Western Rattlesnake live?

10-20 years

How fast can Western Rattlesnake move?

5 km/h

What does Western Rattlesnake eat?

This snake is a carnivore, primarily hunting small mammals and birds using its venomous bite.

Where is Western Rattlesnake usually found?

Desert

How does Western Rattlesnake hunt?

Ambush

How many eggs does Western Rattlesnake lay?

3-12

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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