Rattlesnake Facts
A rattlesnake is a venomous pit viper from the Americas, named for the rattle at the tip of its tail that makes a loud buzzing noise to warn off predators.
- Class
- Reptile
About the rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes make up two genera, Crotalus and Sistrurus. There are 36 known species with 65 to 70 subspecies, and all are native to the Americas, from central Argentina up to southern Canada. They live in many kinds of habitat and hunt small prey like rodents and birds. The largest is the eastern diamondback, which can stretch to 2.4 m.
In North America, rattlesnakes cause more snakebite injuries than any other group, but they rarely strike unless provoked or threatened, and quick treatment makes deaths uncommon. They have enemies of their own. Hawks, weasels and kingsnakes eat them, and young snakes are especially easy targets. Humans kill large numbers, and habitat loss, poaching and extermination campaigns threaten many local populations.
Did you know?
- The eastern diamondback rattlesnake can grow to about 7.9 feet long.
- Newborn rattlesnakes are heavily preyed upon while still weak and immature.
- Rattlesnakes belong to the subfamily Crotalinae, also called pit vipers.
Questions about the rattlesnake
Are rattlesnake bites deadly?
Bites are seldom fatal if treated promptly, and rattlesnakes rarely bite unless provoked or threatened.
Where do rattlesnakes live?
All rattlesnakes are native to the Americas, from central Argentina to southern Canada.
Sources
- Wikidata Q10282840, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Rattlesnake, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.