Snakes of Massachusetts Crotalus horridus (36-60", up to 74") MA
Status: "Endangered." Illegal to harass, kill, collect or
possess. A robust, venomous snake, the timber rattler is
equipped with a broad triangular head, vertical pupils and heat
sensitive pits. The body color may be yellow, gray, dark brown
or black, with dark, V-shaped crossbands across the back. The
pattern may not be obvious if the body is very dark. The head is
usually unpatterned and is covered with many small scales. A
distinct rattle on the end of a darkly colored tail produces a
buzzing sound when vibrated. When young, the rattlesnake has
only a small button on the tail. Body scales are strongly keeled
and the light colored belly is flecked with dark spots. Mating
usually occurs in summer or fall. Females incubate eggs within
their bodies by basking, and give birth the following year to
6-10 young from mid-August through September. Female
rattlesnakes typically give birth every two or three years.
Although rocky forested hill-sides with