Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

Population, Conservation Status, Threats:

Considered least concern by the IUCN, with stable populations. Loss of habitat and intentional killing by humans are among their largest threats.

Physical Description:

A stout species of pit viper with a triangular head and blunt nose. Light-brown to tan in coloration, with a pattern of darker blotches running down the back and a distinctive black and white rattle at the end of the tail.

Overall prairie rattlesnake range from Montana Field Guide. As their name suggests, prairie rattlesnakes are found throughout the Great Plains of North America.

Habitat:

In Colorado, prairie rattlesnakes are found in plains and grasslands, sagebrush shrubland, riparian zones, as well as ponderosa pine and mixed-coniferous forests up to 9,500 feet elevation.

Behavior:

While diurnal during milder weather, rattlesnakes may become more nocturnal or crepuscular during the peak of summer to avoid high midday temperatures. During the winter, they hibernate together in groups of up to 150 individuals, and may migrate up to 7 miles to return to these shared hibernacula. Rattlesnakes are ambush predators capable of sensing nearby heat sources with specialized pits near the nose - once a potential meal is in striking range, they use their hollow fangs to inject venom into the target, which succumbs quickly. Due to the strength of their venom, rattlesnake bites are considered dangerous to humans and must be treated promptly. Most bites to humans are not a case of snakes mistaking people for prey, but of self-defense; when rattlesnakes are threatened, they first use the distinctive rattle on their tail to make a warning sound, but if this fails, they will resort to biting.

Diet:

Prairie rattlesnakes primarily feed on small mammals, though they will also consume reptiles and amphibians, insects, birds and their eggs, and even carrion.

Reproduction:

Mating takes place in the spring after snakes emerge from hibernation. When in competition over a female, males will engage in wrestling matches for the right to mate. Females are viviparous, and give live birth to 1-25 young in the summer or fall, providing parental care to their young for only a few days before they disperse. Young rattlesnakes are born venomous and able to defend themselves.

Associated Species:

Known to hibernate in abandoned prairie dog towns. Red-tailed hawks and king snakes predate upon them.

Illustration by Willow Sedam

Sources: https://www.sdherps.org/species/crotalus_viridis, https://www.ndherpatlas.org/species/crotalus_viridis, http://www.coparc.org/prairie_rattlesnake.html, https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/prairie-rattlesnakes.htm

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