The venom is hemolytic, meaning it causes the breakdown of red blood cells in the bitten animal and this eventually subdues the animal, allowing the snake to easily swallow it. Timber rattlesnakes that occur in Connecticut usually have black or brown crossbands on a yellow, brown, or gray background. In its prey, rattlesnake venom will cause paralysis and death. With a lot of snakes, it is difficult to tell whether they are male or female. They also like farmlands, swamps and floodplains, and moist areas. Males are active at this time, searching for females that have released pheromones (chemical attractants). The smaller males will usually lose. It took them little time before they had killed it with a shovel and packaged it up for later. However, I could not find a single thing on why they call it a Timber rattlesnake. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. A castanet is a tail rattler. From birth, rattlesnakes have a small rattle at the end of their tail. In humans, it can cause vomiting, blurred vision, aching, and it can inhibit blood coagulation. Most of the time these lesions and infections are found on the male Timber but not the female. The high age in which they can reach for captivity is about 37 years, which is 7 years more than in the wild. DEEP is continuing to carry out its mission and provide services while keeping both the public and our workforce safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. When danger approaches a Timber rattlesnake, they give fair warning to whoever is approaching by shaking its tail rapidly back and forth. Range: The timber rattlesnake historically occurred in 31 … COVID-19 Information: Connecticut residents are urged to continue taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Timber rattlesnakes are protected by Connecticut's Endangered Species Act and persons who kill or collect this endangered snake could be faced with fines or legal action. Females breed every third or fourth year. Besides, their body anatomy is such that they are built to move that way. However, with their body constantly touching the ground, and their excellent ability to sense through vibrations, Timber rattlesnakes can tell when an animal or human is coming. It could be because it is not supported, or that JavaScript is intentionally disabled. Have you ever laid down on the floor with both hands to the side and tried to slide like a snake across the floor? When these “segments” are vibrated together, a rattle-like sound is created. Most, however, will only weigh about 1-2 pounds each. They have a period of about 2 to 3 years between litters and don’t reach maturity until about 5 years of age. Take the time to learn about, understand, and respect this vitally important reptile, and share your knowledge with others. The males have a large end of their tail, while females tend to taper off sooner, being thinner. Timber rattlesnakes come out in the daytime and the night-time. The eastern United States is where their natural home is and where they are most commonly found. Hannah loves animals and has been writing with Embora Pets since 2018. Each time it sheds, the rattle gains another ring. My husband and I recently adopted a Labrador retriever. The female does not have this which is why her tail is smaller. They have to relocate themselves to survive. The venom spreads quickly. It will give an overview of what to do when you are bitten, and facts about non-venomous and venomous snakes. If you encounter a timber rattlesnake, observe it from a distance, calmly and slowly back away from it, and allow the snake to go on its way. The crossbands have irregular zig-zag edges and may be V-shaped or M-shaped. They prefer to hunt alone but during the winter, they often brumate (hibernate) in dens, in limestone crevices, often together with copperheads and Black rat snakes. They receive no maternal care, but are ready to fend for themselves. Their most prolonged amount of time outside their den is in the spring during mating season. In the past, some Connecticut towns had bounties that encouraged people to collect and kill rattlesnakes, and many dens were repeatedly decimated. The name Crotalus (or Sisturus)  comes from the word meaning “castanet”. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. To take a wild Timber rattlesnake out of its habitat is a great danger because they aren’t used to domestic living. Timber rattlesnakes are carnivores and their diet includes mainly small mammals. Life History: Connecticut’s rattlesnakes are active mid-April through October. You may have difficulty breathing and you will become weak. Timber rattlesnakes are viviparous; they give birth to live young. What is the illegal pet trade? To protect themselves from the disease, some Timber rattlesnakes will shed their skin multiple times because what is there is pretty dead anyway. Do NOT attempt to kill any rattlesnakes under any circumstances as this is an illegal action. These snakes can be active both during the day and night. They tend to avoid large populations of people and will stay clear of urbanized areas. It does not have a permanent home. Timber rattlesnakes do not like the winter and will go back to their den in time for the brumation period. That night they skinned it and cooked it up, distributing it for everyone to eat. They like to live in woodland areas with lots of hills. The Eastern Timber Rattlesnake is one of the most dangerous venomous snakes in northeastern United States. Eggs are retained and hatched internally, resulting in live birth. Timber rattlesnakes are almost entirely terrestrial rather than arboreal, however, they are excellent climbers. Out of all the rattlesnakes out there, the Timber rattlesnake has the highest yield. One of the most frightening animal species out there is the rattlesnake. It is true also that male Timber rattlesnakes reach maturity sooner than female ones. Even though more deaths are caused by the diamondback than any other rattlesnake, the Timber rattlesnake is the most deadly. They can see heat signatures through their infrared sensing. Timber rattlesnakes will grow tumors and disfiguring lesions on their heads. As snakes get older, their venom gets stronger and more potent. Both sexes are similar, although males have longer tails (not rattles). Also, larger snakes tend to be able to carry more venom. They’ve no where to go. They are used to be in the wild, it’s what they are familiar with. Timber rattlesnakes are generally solitary creatures. Dens are usually located in rocky ledges. Canebrake rattlesnake, Banded rattlesnake. As with most snakes, they will also linger around areas that are near their prey. Like most rattlesnakes, Timber rattlesnakes are known to utilize chemical cues to find sites to ambush their prey and will often strike their prey and track them until they can be consumed. The Timber rattlesnake is a large venomous pit viper native to eastern North America. Another circumstance that is dangerous to Timber rattlesnakes is to take away their home. The Timber rattlesnake is a roamer. Protection of this snakes den and summer foraging/breeding grounds, is a priority. Embora Pets is the ultimate resource for learning everything about your new pet, or information when trying to find the right one. Interesting Rattlesnake Facts: Size of rattlesnake depends on the species. They are most often found on top of fallen logs when they are trying to catch their prey because it give them the higher-ground advantage. Well, it’s pretty much what it sounds like. The Timber rattlesnake is a large venomous pit viper native to eastern North America. They use a keen sense of smell and sensory pit organs to find prey. The full rattle is not actually present at the beginning of these snakes lives. At this time they are likely to be exposed by any number of diseases, wear, and tear that wouldl put their life in danger. This snake normally is calm, preferring to stay coiled and motionless when approached, or to crawl away when bothered. Timber Rattlesnake on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timber_rattlesnake, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/64318/12765920. They do not have the diamond pattern like the Diamondback does, but they have a striped pattern which can be brown, black, and tan. The pit organs are located in a cavity on each side of the head between the nostril and the eye. Click here for the latest updates on DEEP's response to COVID-19. This rattle is keratinous (like our fingernails) and a small segment is added each time the snake sheds its skin. Range: The timber rattlesnake historically occurred in 31 states, but is now found in only 27 states. The crossbands, which may be V-shaped, break up toward the head to form a row of dark spots down the back and on each side. The male tails are generally larger because they have their male hemipenes. (I also learned from some of my peers that it tastes like stringy chicken…blech!) They eat a variety of rodents. Note: Any species that is not cared for or is neglected can slip onto the conservation list of endangered species without anyone even noticing. Rattlesnake populations take a long time to stabilize after losing a significant number of breeding individuals due to their low reproductive rate. (It is not common for snakes to stay emotionally familiar with each other.). Protection of this snake's specialized habitats, both winter den and summer foraging/breeding grounds, is a priority. Bet you didn’t know that! However, timber rattlesnake bites are rare. It adds rings for its entire life and will not stop until the snake is dead. Pit vipers also have large, hollow fangs at the front of their mouth that are connected to the bones of the upper jaw and palate. Interesting Fact: The Timber rattlesnake is on the section of the conservation list of least concern. A rattlesnakes’ rattle is a very important part of its anatomy. Rattlesnakes slide their entire body across the ground. The females heat themselves right before giving birth. Females will also leave scent trails for her young to find so they can make it to their winter den. Physical Appearance: The Timber rattlesnake has a line that travels from the bottom of their eyes to the corner of their mouth. The Timber is this rattlesnake’s most common name. While all rattlesnakes are dangerous, the Timber rattlesnake will likely be one you will pass by without even realizing it was there. The rattle is created over time and does not exist when th snake is born. They’ll likely search for wooded areas where there are a lot of rodents and insects. Natural/Unnatural Dangers to the Timber Rattlesnake. It seems that JavaScript is not working in your browser. This method, in addition to feeling vibrations, makes them quite super in my opinion. Interesting Facts: Rattlesnakes (also known as pit vipers) are ambush predators that patiently wait for prey to come within reach. It is vital to the snake’s ability to protect itself and ward off predators. Many other species will shed more than that, but rattlesnakes shed less. The Timber rattlesnake has some unique features and habits about it that make it different. Many say that the best way to get rid of these snakes is to dominate the areas that carry their food sources. This species doesn't rank high on many people's favorite animal list. Timber rattlesnakes will eat rodents, small mammals, small birds, frogs, and sometimes other snakes. How many people are killed each year by rattlesnakes? If you are bitten, you are in danger. The production of this Endangered and Threatened Species Fact Sheet Series is made possible by donations to the Endangered Species/Wildlife Income Tax Checkoff Fund. Timber rattlesnakes are relatively large. So, I guess that one is a mystery. They have not been able to come to a general consensus, but that’s the debate. Because they are used to forested areas, if you cut them down, it’s not that easy for them to find a new home. It can be confusing as to which name is the correct one, because some people call Timber rattlesnakes the Canebrake, while others argue that the Canebrake and the Timber are entirely different snakes.