Most often, when people think of snakes that rattle their tails, Rattlesnakes come to mind. However, there are quite a few snakes that rattle their tails, so let’s take a look.

Some of the most common snakes that rattle their tails include Cottonmouths, Copperheads, Rat Snakes, Corn Snakes, and of course, the Rattlesnake. Tail rattling often signifies a defensive approach towards prey and predators.

Today, we’ll take a look at some of the most common snakes that rattle their tails and discuss why this happens. We’ll also talk about how you can identify each one of them. Let’s get started.

1. Rattlesnakes

Let’s start with the snake that falls on the top of everyone’s list – the Rattlesnake. The Rattlesnake is the only snake that actually has a rattle in its tail. The rest of the snakes that we’ll discuss today mimic this snake, but they do so by rapidly vibrating their tails.

The rattling sound created by the Rattlesnake comes from a piece on the end of the snake’s tail which is made from hollow interlocked segments of Keratin. These segments are naturally loose, and when moved, they click against one another. 

When the snake begins to shake its tail, the segments bump against one another and cause a rattling sound.

You can identify a Rattlesnake by its broad head and two light lines on its face. Diamondback Rattlesnakes also have a diamond-shaped pattern on their skin. 

2. Cottonmouths

Cottonmouths are another highly venomous snake found in North America. Sometimes these snakes are referred to as water moccasins because they can also be found in rivers, springs, and streams. 

Whereas Rattlesnakes will typically rattle their tails as a warning, Cottonmouths will usually open their mouths, revealing a white inside. This is where these snakes get their names. When the person or animal doesn’t get the warning from the snake opening its mouth, this is where it begins to vibrate its tail.

When a Cottonmouth vibrates its tail, it’s a sign that the snake feels severely threatened. You should definitely back up at this point if you’re standing close by. 

Cottonmouths can be identified by the white patches in their mouths and by their thick muscular heads that are usually blocky. They have dark stripes next to each nostril and vary in coloration from dark brown to black and even olive-colored.

3. Copperheads

Copperheads are closely related to both Cottonmouths and Rattlesnakes. This is because they are types of vipers. 

Like its cousins, this snake will “rattle” its tail when it’s been threatened. Copperheads, however, are not aggressive and typically won’t approach anything that is not considered prey, including humans. 

These snakes are enormously good at camouflage and usually end up looking like a pile of leaves when they’re in hibernation, so you can walk by them and not notice their presence. However, as you begin to get closer, the snake will start vibrating its tail rapidly, warning you to step back. If you continue moving forward, it will raise its head. 

Once this snake raises its head, you can be sure you will receive a bite if you keep moving forward.

Copperheads can be identified by the hourglass shapes that run along their backs.

4. Rat Snakes

Rat Snakes are enormously common. Part of the colubrid family, they are non-venomous and can be found throughout North America. 

It is thought that when rat snakes rattle, their tails mimic predatory snakes such as Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, and Cottonmouths. This is known as Batesian Mimicry and is common among many non-venomous species. 

Rat Snakes don’t have rattles at the end of their tails. Instead, they vibrate their tails rapidly against nearby surfaces, such as on leaf piles. Surprisingly, this sounds similar to a rattlesnake or other venomous snake. Almost always, this sound will discourage predators from coming near the snake. 

Rat Snakes can be identified by their weakly-keeled scales that have ridges. Typically they are black with a white chin or black with green-yellow stripes running lengthwise down their bodies. 

5. Corn Snakes

Corn Snakes are another super common non-venomous snake. Like the Rat Snake, they “rattle” their tails to imitate venomous snakes. 

Usually, the corn snake will vibrate its tail against a surface to scare off predators or to divert an attack. The louder the sound is, the more the snake feels threatened. This is important to keep in mind, even though these snakes aren’t venomous. You should never take interactions with a snake lightly.

Researchers believe that the reason snakes like the Corn Snake do this is because it’s been hardwired into their DNA. This is why they don’t begin to vibrate their tails until the last minute. It’s always a defense mechanism. 

This is also why Corn Snakes vibrate their tails to help divert an attack. If the predator is dead set on attacking the snake, the vibration will distract them. This sound throws the predator off and gives the simple Corn Snake ample time to escape.

Corn Snakes can easily be identified through the alternating patterns of orange and yellow or red and orange on their backs.