Rattlesnakes at a Glance

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Image Of Eastern Diamond Rattlesnake Found on
Garden & Gun

What Is A Rattlesnake?

A rattlesnake is a reptile with a rattle at the end of its tale. Rattlesnakes belong to the scientific classification family of Viperidae, and the Subfamily Crotalinae. The scientific name for rattlesnakes is Crotalus, which is derived from the Greek word for "castanets." There are 36 known species of rattlesnakes.


Map of rattlesnake populations by state (US) found on
A-Z Animals

Rattlesnake Habitats

Rattlesnakes are found in Canada, North America, and South America. They can be found in arid regions, deserts, forests, prairies, and marches.


Picture of rattlesnake venom extraction found on
University of South Florida's Newsroom Page.

Rattlesnake Venom

Rattlesnakes are venomous, which means that that they can use venom to kill their prey. Rattlesnake venom is hemotoxic, which means that it contains toxins that negatively affect red blood cells in other organisms, which include humans.


Picture of rattle close-up found on
Mass.Gov's Learn About Timber Rattlesnakes Page

The Rattle

Rattlesnakes shake the rattles at the end of their tails to warn against predators and other nearby animals. Their rattles are made of kertain, which is the same substance that human hair and nails are made of.


Twelve Rattlesnake Species Found in North America

Links Used

Rattlesnakes are extremely dangerous animals, and should not be approached in the wild!
Coded by Halley Nani