WHERE DO RATTLESNAKES LIVE?

There are approximately 36 known species of rattlesnakes, all native to the Americas, ranging from southern Alberta and southern British Columbia in Canada to Central Argentina.

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The large majority of species live in the American Southwest and Mexico. However some of the highest population densities of rattlesnakes are found in the forests along the Eastern Seaboard and the deserts of the Southwest region of the U.S.

Rattlesnakes are found in almost every type of habitat, including prairies, marshes, deserts, and forests, but individual species can have extremely specific habitat requirements. Most rattlesnake species live near open, rocky areas, as the rocks offer cover from predators.

The western diamondback rattlesnake

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The western diamondback rattlesnake is one of North America's largest venomous snakes and causes more deaths in the United States than any other species of snake due to its excitable and aggressive behaviour. As will all rattlesnakes, its most notable feature, as well as it identifying tell, is the sinister, dry rattling warning sound it creates vibrating the loose, horny rings on the end of its tail.

The western diamondback rattlesnake is found in south-western North America - from California in the west to Arkansas in the east, and south into Mexico.

During the cooler parts of the year the rattlesnake is active during the day, when the sun can warm its body.

Throughout the summer the rattlesnake becomes increasingly night active, usually emerging after dusk.

When a snake is not active, it spends its time in holes in the ground, in rocky crevices or under dead cacti or large boulders. In the coldest winter weather, 30 or more snakes may hibernate together in an underground den.

For related articles click onto:
DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE
RATTLESNAKE BITE
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST SNAKE IN THE WORLD?
WHAT IS THE WORLD'S MOST POISONOUS SNAKE?
WHAT IS THE MOST VENOMOUS SNAKE IN AMERICA?
WHAT IS THE MOST POISONOUS SNAKE IN INDIA?
WHERE DO RATTLESNAKES LIVE?