Prairie Rattlesnake Facts

Patches of dark brown are often distributed in a dorsal pattern.

Prairie rattlesnake facts. The prairie rattlesnake is a speciesof venomous pit vipers that are found in parts of canada mexico and usa. The prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in the canadian prairies. They have two subspecies. The flat triangular shaped head hides a pair of the retractable fangs.

It is best known for the unique rings on the end of its tail that knock together and make a rattling sound. A color band may be seen at the back of the eye. Rock dens make ideal places to shelter for the winter. Rattlesnakes are found all over the americas from southern canada to northern argentina.

Prairie rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers native to western north america. A prairie rattlesnake is usually identified by its triangular head distinctive rattle and pit organs on the face. The us and mexico account for most rattlers. The prairie rattlesnake has an extremely acute sense of smell and can detect scents using both its forked tongue and its external nostrils.

These snakes are usually lightly colored in hues of brown. Crotalus viridis common names. Animals and birds like skunks coyotes ravens hawks and eagles prey on these snakes. The size of a rattlesnake can reach to 2 meters however the average size is around 1 meter long.

The snake controls the amount of venom injected by the contraction of muscles surrounding the venom glands. There are 15 species in the united states and 25 in mexico. Prairie rattlesnake western rattlesnake great plains rattlesnake and others is a venomous pit viper species native to the western united states southwestern canada and northern mexico. Senses the prairie rattlesnake s eyes are better adapted for sensing movement than for making out clear shapes.

We generally picture them living in the desert sands of the southwest but they also inhabit rocky hills grasslands and scrub bush. Currently two subspecies are recognized including the nominate subspecies described here. The species can detect movement about 12 2m 40ft away. Fact about rattlesnake rattlesnake s scientific name called crotalus they are one of the deadly venomous snakes that can be found around north and south america.

The colour of their body is mainly dark like brown olive and grey.