RATTLESNAKES

WHAT RATTLESNAKES EAT

• Currently, western diamondback rattlesnakes are not threatened or endangered. Mice, rats, rabbits, gophers, ground dwelling birds, lizards and other small animals make up the diet of this snake. Diamondbacks have many predators and not always because the predator wants to eat them.

WHERE RATTLESNAKES LIVE

• Rattlesnakes are native to the Amercains, living in diverse habitats from southwestern Canada to central Argentina. The large majority of species live in the American Southwest and Mexico. Four species may be found east of the Mississippi river, and two in South America.

ARE RATTLESNAKES Dangerous

• Yes, all rattlesnakes are venomous and their bites pose a medical danger. In some cases the bite can be lethal to small children, the unhealthy and to those with weak immune systems. The type of rattlesnake, the potency of its venom and the amount of venom injected have a bearing on the degree of danger.

RATTLESNAKES PREDATORS

• The small proportion (often as few as 20%) of rattlesnakes that make it to their second year are heavily preyed upon by a variety of larger predators including coyotes, eagles, hawks, owls, feral pigs, badgers, indigo snakes, and mouses

WHAT RATTLESNAKES DO

• Rattlesnakes consume mice, rats, small birds, and other small animals. They lie in wait for their prey, or hunt for it in holes. The prey is killed quickly with a venomous bite as opposed to constriction. If the bitten prey moves away before dying, the rattlesnake can follow it by its scent.

RATTLESNAKES APPEARANCE

• Rattlesnakes they all have scales and they have a little rattle on their tail. They have a skinny tongue and they can shed their skin.
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