Table of Contents
What is a rattlesnake classified as?
Genus: Crotalus and Sistrurus. Classification: Reptile. Rattlesnakes are highly specialized, venomous reptiles with large bodies and triangle-shaped heads. They are one of the most iconic groups of North American snakes due to the characteristic “rattle” found at the tip of the tail.
Can a rattlesnake eat a human?
Digestion takes several days and makes the rattler sluggish. Although about 8,000 rattlesnakes bite humans each year, they do not attack humans as prey. This is defensive, only. Of these bitten people, only about five die in a given year.
What genus do rattlesnakes belong to?
Crotalus
Integrated Taxonomic Information System – Report
| Genus | Crotalus Linnaeus, 1758 – Rattlesnakes |
| Direct Children: | |
| Species | Crotalus adamanteus Palisot de Beauvois, 1799 – Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake |
| Species | Crotalus angelensis Klauber, 1963 – Isla Angel Rattlesnake |
Do rattlesnakes spit venom?
Rattlesnakes cannot spit venom, but the impact of a strike against an object can squeeze the venom gland, located in the roof of the mouth, and venom may be squirted. They are born with a single rattle or button, fangs, and venom. They can strike within minutes, but being so small, they are not very dangerous.
How many types of rattlesnakes are there?
32 different species
Rattlesnakes are some of the most unique and diverse American reptiles. There are currently 32 different species of rattlesnakes, with approximately 83 subspecies that are broken down into the two genera Crotalus and Sistrurus.
Which snake eats rattlesnakes?
kingsnakes
However, some of the most dangerous predators of rattlesnakes are other snakes. Called ophiophages (“snake-eaters”), black racers, coachwhips, kingsnakes, milk snakes, indigo snakes and mussuranas are all capable of turning a deadly rattlesnake into a tasty meal.
What is the most poisonous snake in the world?
Inland Taipan
1) Inland Taipan: The Inland Taipan or famously known as ‘fierce snake’, has the most toxic venom in the world. It can yield as much as 110mg in one bite, which is enough to kill around 100 people or over 2.5 lakh mice.
What is the largest rattlesnake?
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest rattlesnake species and is one of the heaviest known species of venomous snake, with one specimen shot in 1946 measuring 2.4 m (7.8 ft) in length and weighing 15.4 kg (34 lb).
How long can you live after rattlesnake bite?
The most important factor in survival following a severe envenomation is the time elapsed between the bite and treatment. Most deaths occur between 6 and 48 hours after the bite. If antivenom treatment is given within two hours of the bite, the probability of recovery is greater than 99%.
What is the western rattlesnake?
The western rattlesnake, Crotalus viridis, is the most widely distributed rattlesnake in the western United States and Canada, and also the most variable in North America, with nine subspecies. It is also Oregon’s only truly venomous snake.
What is the range of a rattlesnake?
Rattlesnakes can range from one to eight feet, depending on the species (the big one is the eastern diamondback), according to the National Wildlife Federation. They are thick-bodied snakes with keeled (ridged) scales in a variety of colors and patterns.
Why do snakes Rattle?
One explanation is that the snake likes to rattle its tail to make noises to warn its predators and other large animals. Over a long period of time, a rattle is developed to help the snake to make warning noises.