Antelope / Brown Bear / Caribou / Condor / Cougar / Crane / Bald Eagle / Leopard Frog / Wolf / Manatee / Marten / Polar Bear / Sea Otter / Rattle Snake / Leatherback Turtle / Wolverine

Rattle Snake

HABITAT:

Found in wetland areas.

DESCRIPTION:

A venomous, stocky snake with a short tail that culminates in a small but well-developed rattle (an organ of loosely attached pieces of horn that knock against each other and create a rattle or buzzing sound when the tail is shaken). Of course that is how it got its name. The body is grayish or brownish-gray overall, with darker edged, circular blotches occurring down the back and sides. Adults measure between 51 and 76 cm.

THREATS:

Many snakes are killed due to the human fear of snakes, caused primarily by lack of knowledge. In fact the snakes are not usually aggressive. They use the rattle to warn intruders away. Loss of habitat is another major cause of the low numbers.

North America / South America / Australia / Ocean / Eurasia / Africa
Shane's Bio / Kristine's Bio / Bibliography / Home / Games / Causes / Quotes