Western Rattlesnake

Western Rattlesnake

Northern Pacific rattlesnake, Pacific rattlesnake

Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Suborder
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Crotalus oreganus
Population size
Unknown
Life Span
15-20 years
Length
100
39
cminch
cm inch 

Western rattlesnake, commonly known as the (northern) Pacific rattlesnake, is a venomous pit viper species found in western North America from the Baja California Peninsula to the southern interior of British Columbia.

Appearance

The size of this species varies greatly, with some populations being stunted and others growing very large. Juveniles usually have more or less distinct patterns, but these fade as the animals mature. The color of the iris often matches the ground color, which may be bronze, gold, or different shades of tan, pink, or gray. For example subspecies, Northern Pacific rattlesnakes can have a dark-brown, dark-gray, olive-brown, or sometimes black or pale yellowish ground color overlaid dorsally with a series of large, dark blotches with uneven white edges. Their belly is pale yellow, usually with brown spots. A large, dark-brown blotch on the snout has a pale border behind it that forms transverse bars on the supraoculars. There is a dark brown postocular stripe with a white border that extends from the eye to around the angle of the jaw.

Video

Distribution

Geography

Western rattlesnakes are found in North America from southwestern Canada, through much of the western half of the United States, and south into northern Mexico. In Canada, they are found in southern British Columbia. In the US, they occur in Washington, Oregon, western and southern Idaho, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and likely west-central New Mexico. In northern Mexico, they are found in western Baja California and the extreme north of Baja California Sur. Western rattlesnakes inhabit grasslands, chaparral-covered foothills, canyons, mountain forests, and rocky areas.

Western Rattlesnake habitat map

Climate zones

Western Rattlesnake habitat map

Habits and Lifestyle

Western rattlesnakes are live on the ground but sometimes may climb into shrubs or trees. They are generally not aggressive and lead a solitary life. Western rattlesnakes are usually active at dawn and dusk but during hot summer may become nocturnal. They may come out sometimes during the day to bask in the sun, but usually spend most of the day hidden in their shelters. During cold months they hibernate in mammal burrows, crevices or caves.

Seasonal behavior

Diet and Nutrition

Western rattlesnakes are carnivores that feed on birds, bird eggs, and small mammals, from mice to rabbits. They also eat small reptiles and amphibians. The juveniles prey mainly on insects.

Mating Habits

REPRODUCTION SEASON
spring
BABY CARRYING
1-25 young
FEMALE NAME
female
MALE NAME
male
BABY NAME
snakelet

Western rattlesnakes mate in spring when they emerge from hibernation. Females give birth to as many as 25 live young. Baby rattlesnakes are born precocial (fully developed).

Population

Population threats

There are no major threats to Western rattlesnakes at present. However, locally they do suffer from habitat loss due to residential and commercial development. In Baja California, these snakes suffer from urbanization, agro-industry, and the construction of new roads. Western rattlesnakes are also often persecuted because of fear.

Population number

According to IUCN, the Western rattlesnake is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • Other common names of this species include black rattlesnake, Arizona diamond rattlesnake, black diamond rattlesnake, black snake, California rattlesnake, confluent rattlesnake, diamond-back rattlesnake, Great Basin rattlesnake, Hallowell's rattlesnake, Missouri rattlesnake, Oregon rattlesnake, Pacific rattler, rattlesnake, southern rattlesnake, western black rattlesnake, western rattler, and north Pacific rattlesnake.

Coloring Pages

References

1. Western Rattlesnake on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crotalus_oreganus
2. Western Rattlesnake on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/64326/12769216

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