There are several things one needs to know about rattlesnakes. However, it can be a complex body of information because they’re a diverse species.

Rattlesnakes are members of the subfamily Crotalinae or pit vipers. Crotalinae belongs to the more prominent family of venomous snakes called Viperidae. Their physical characteristics, habitats, and behaviors can vary from species to species. 

You must take into account these things and observe cautionary measures if they will keep them in captivity. This article will cover the general information you need to know about rattlesnakes. Some primary measures are also included in case you want to keep them as pets.

General Information About Rattlesnakes

As pit vipers, rattlesnakes have a tiny heat-sensing pit between their eyes and nostrils. This part gives them heat visions of any living creature near them. With this, they can hunt successfully for prey, even in low-light situations. 

Currently, there are around 30 known species of rattlesnakes scattered in different parts of the world. Here are some rattlesnakes to name a few:

• Crotalus horridus (timber rattlesnake)
• Crotalus viridis (prairie rattlesnake)
• Crotalus atrox (western diamondback rattlesnake)
• Crotalus adamanteus (eastern diamondback rattlesnake)
• Crotalus cerastes (horned rattlesnake or sidewinder rattlesnake)
• Sistrurus catenatus (North American massasauga)
• Sistrurus miliarius (pygmy rattlesnake) 

Appearance

The rattlesnakes’ physical characteristics, including colors, vary per species. Some of their base colors include the following in different shades:

• Orange
• Brown
• Pink
• Red
• Green 
• Yellow
• Gray
• Black 

On top of that, the skin of rattlesnakes is blotched with a variety of markings. Some common patterns you can see on their skin are:

• Transverse bands
• Dark diamonds
• Hexagons
• Rhombuses 

These characteristics of rattlesnakes’ skin serve as their defense feature against predators. They use it to camouflage with their environment.

Size

An adult rattlesnake can be as long as 1.5 to 6.6 feet (0.46 to 2 meters). However, some larger species could grow up to 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) in size. 

For example, an average ridge-nosed rattlesnake can grow 1.5 feet (0.46 meters). On the other hand, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake could be as long as 8 feet (2.4 meters) and as heavy as 10 pounds (4.5 kg). This makes them North America’s largest venomous snake.

Behavior and Temperament

Rattlers are one of the most misunderstood snakes. Many people are afraid of them even when their nature is not aggressive. They prefer to avoid encounters with humans.

If one keeps them unprovoked, humans are assured that they are safe around these snakes. You can only know that they are ready to attack someone when they are in a coiled position, rattling their tails. 

Rattlesnakes are distinct for their segmented rattle located at their tail. These rattles are made of keratin, the similar protein that makes human hair and fingernails. Because their rattles are interlocked with each other and have a tiny space in between the segments, it produces a rattling sound when shaken. 

Rattlesnakes shake their rattles when they are threatened to warn or ward off predators. Their rattles could be as loud as 80 decibels. For comparison, this is as loud as a vacuum cleaner or a busy city street. 

Lifespan

The average lifespan of rattlesnakes ranges from ten to 25 years. Some species which are held captive, on the other hand, have been recorded to live for as long as 30 years.

An interesting fact about them is the older they are, the longer their rattle segments are. This is because a new segment is added as they shed their skin. Each new part grows within the previous one.

However, determining their age based on their rattles can be tricky as they shed at least three or four times annually. At the same time, their rattles tend to break in the wild.

Venom Potency

Rattlesnakes inject their venom into their victim through their long, curved fangs. These fangs’ length can be as long as 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) for large species of rattlers. A venom duct connects these fangs directly to a venom gland. 

This duct is surrounded by soft tissues that control how much venom the rattler injects. The more threatened they feel, the more venom they will infuse in their bite. However, young rattlesnakes have less control over their venom duct, so they are more potent.

There are times when rattlesnakes choose not to inject venom into their bites. These bites are called “dry” bites. 

Rattlesnake bites on humans can be dangerous but not as fatal if treated quickly. One may feel the following symptoms in the bitten area in a matter of seconds:

• Pain, tingling, or burning sensation on the bitten part
• Swelling
• Bruising 
• Discoloration

In such an event, call a medical provider immediately, ideally within 30 minutes. Otherwise, the venom will reach the other parts of the body, which could lead to more complications or, worse, death. 

Habitat

Rattlesnakes are widely dispersed in almost every part of America. Their geographical distribution includes:

• Southern Canada
• Southwestern United States
• Northern Mexico
• Central Argentina

Rattlesnakes live in various types of habitats in the wild. Some of their natural habitats are:

• Deserts 
• Swamps
• Woodlands 
• Grasslands
• Shrublands

Rattlers also prefer terrains with strategic features like rocks or crevices. They seek refuge underground in burrows or under rocks during the day. As nocturnal animals, they will proceed to hunt by the time the night arrives.

Care Guide for Rattlesnakes

Housing and Enclosure

In the cases where rattlers are kept captive, they’re recommended to be put inside a terrarium with sand and a hiding spot for brumation.

The size of the enclosure largely depends on the species of rattlesnake you own. A good rule of thumb is that the length should be equal to the length of the snake at maturity to allow them to extend. The width and height of the enclosure should be around a third of the snake’s length.

The lid should be breathable but firm to prevent the snake from escaping.

Diet

Rattlesnakes are carnivorous snakes. They often feed on rodents, insects, and some other reptiles. Provide them with pre-killed rodents as their food in these situations.

When rattlers are hunting, they use their heat sensors to locate their prey. Their pits, together with their enhanced sense of smell, aid in the detection of prey. At the same time, low-light and low-humidity situations make their hunting more successful.

These snakes keep a low profile before attacking their prey. This hunting method makes them ambush predators. After hunting, a meal typically lasts them two weeks before these snakes have to go hunting again.

Shedding

Rattlesnakes shed their skins at least thrice or four times a year. A new segment in their rattles grows each time they shed. Ensuring they have a tub of clean, tepid water within the enclosure at all times will allow them to shed whenever they need to.

Lighting, Heating, and Hibernation

Most rattlesnake species prefer warm climates. At home, you can replicate this by providing the snake with an artificial UVB light source for up to 12 hours a day. Keep the light a few inches above the enclosure of the lid to avoid accidentally injuring the snake.

Rattlesnakes thrive in temperatures ranging from 80 to 85 °F (26 to 29 °C). When winter temperatures fall around 60 °F (15.6 °C), they become less active. 

Strictly speaking, rattlesnakes don’t hibernate, unlike many other snake species. Instead, they undergo a process called brumation. Either way, they’re less active in winter and like to burrow in sand or in makeshift tunnels in their enclosures.

Because rattlers cannot handle extreme temperatures, they need to hide in warm spots during winter. During this season, you can see wild rattlesnakes gathered in swarms to keep themselves warm.

Humidity

Just like most reptiles, rattlesnakes are ectothermic or cold-blooded animals. They cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. They depend on their surroundings for heat during cold weather.

Rattlesnakes also prefer low-humidity environments. Such an environment allows them to locate their prey through their heat sensors. With this, their hunting sessions are more successful.

Although they don’t need to hunt when kept in an enclosure, it’s best to keep the humidity levels around them between 40 and 50%.

Rattlesnakes as Pets

Some people want to keep snakes as pets. While this is possible, keeping rattlesnakes is high maintenance. One must be extremely careful when keeping them in your house.

When getting yourself a rattlesnake, check if it is permitted in your state to keep venomous snakes as pets. Certain states in the United States, such as Arizona, Kansas, and Delaware, don’t allow such an arrangement. 

If you find out that it is allowed in your state, you must acquire a venomous animal license to continue. Once you have checked these things, educate yourself first on how to handle rattlesnakes as pets.

• Prepare a safe and spacious terrarium for the rattler. Snakes are great escapists, so you have to make sure that the terrarium is sturdy enough to withstand any force the snake will exert to escape the container. Provide a lock for it if you must. 
• Use tools when handling rattlesnakes. You must use a pinning hook, a metal rod, snake tongs, or any improvised tools with a similar structure when handling a rattlesnake. All these tools must be at least one foot (30 cm) long to maintain a safe distance from the rattler.
• Always assume that rattlers cannot be tamed. These snakes are venomous and cannot be domesticated like dogs.

FAQs

Do Roadrunners Eat Rattlesnakes?

Roadrunners sometimes eat rattlesnakes, especially hatchlings that are less than a foot (12 cm) long. They usually hunt snakes in pairs, with one distracting the snake and the other waiting to pounce from behind and pinning the rattler’s head.

How Fast Can a Rattlesnake Move?

Rattlesnakes can move at speeds of 2 to 3 miles (3.2 to 4.8 km) per hour in brief spurts. Therefore, when you hear a rattlesnake’s rattlers, it’s best to keep a safe distance. Rattlers are often heard up to 60 feet (18.3 m) away, giving you enough time to steer clear of these snakes.

How Far Can a Rattlesnake Jump?

Rattlesnakes can jump roughly ½ to ⅔ of their length. For instance, a 3-foot (91-cm) long snake can jump 1.5 to 2 feet (46 to 61 cm) away and strike their prey in 70 milliseconds. This speed is faster than the blink of an eye. That’s why it’s best to stay away from rattlesnakes in the wild.

How Far Do Rattlesnakes Travel?

Rattlesnakes can travel one to five miles (1.6 to 8 km) away from their den, depending on the species and sex. Female rattlesnakes tend to travel shorter distances as they try to hunt closer to their den. On the other hand, males travel farther to hunt or find a mate.