The vertical pupils on a night snake can help you tell them apart from. Other identifying characteristics of rattlesnakes are their eyes, which have vertical pupils, and the two pits found beneath their nostrils. In the spring and autumn, when daytime temperatures © 2000 - document.write((new Date()).getFullYear()); Scientific and Common Names of the Reptiles and Amphibians of North America - Explained, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Plants-and-Animals, Adult in coiled defensive pose, San Bernardino County ©, Adult with a speckled dorsal pattern, Inyo County ©, Adult from near Susanville, Lassen County ©. encountered any rattlers, but I sure did get a kick out of his snake hunting This is, however, a controversial recommendation and not supported by all medical professionals due to the timing and danger of killing the snake once an individual has been bitten. The pit characteristic classifies rattlesnakes as part of the pit viper family of snakes, the Crotalinae, which is actually a subfamily of Viperidae, or the viper family. If their active months are to be measured then from April to October they are seen frequently. you need help with a venomous bite or if you have a poisoning emergency, call Color varies, often matching the substrate, from light gray, light brown, beige, to tan or cream, with dark brown or gray blotches on the back and sides. Information provided at and by DesertUSA is NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL CARE. The venomous bite of a rattlesnake evolved as a tool for hunting and killing prey. Pre-purchased, timed tickets are required for all visitors—including Burke members, UW card holders, and children age 3 and under—to maintain physical distancing and manage capacity in the museum. The venom is injected through the fangs which puncture the victim's skin. returning to their dormant homes for the cold winter months. Some individuals develop serious allergic reactions to the antivenin, therefore patients treated with it need to be monitored closely. ), The Desert Environment hunting or handling since the highest bite rate occurs to individuals who participate Females tend to be larger and longer than males. If you cannot agree to this Health and Medical Disclaimer, you are not permitted to use this web site and should exit immediately. Can be found in southern British Columbia, western United States, Texas, and some parts of Mexico. They use their mild venom to help subdue prey. They will not intentionally hunt and strike a large animal, including humans, unless they feel threatened. Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the desert, but it can also be a time for caution. The snakes grow to about 2 1/2 feet long, and as their name implies, they are active at night. Lizards and frogs are the majority of the night snake’s diet. Desert Geological Terms, Home  | About | Contact Us | Feedback | Privacy | Site Outline | Advertising on DesertUSA | Aquis Towels | Hotels, Approximately 8,000 people a year are bit by venomous snakes in the U.S. 9-15 victims die.