An adult rattlesnake will usually have a nice-sized rattle, so that’s easy, but a young rattlesnake may only have a single button. Look for rings at the base of arattlesnake’s tail, or a long tail which ends in a point.
Table of Contents
What snakes is mistaken for a rattlesnakes?
Western diamondback rattlesnakes and sonoran gopher snakes are often mistaken for each other, and that ends badly for the snake. The most common mistake is to assume that a snake is a diamondback when it is in fact a gopher snake, which is actually a small, brownish-gray snake with a long, slender body and a short, pointed snout.
Diamondbacks and gophers are closely related, but they are not the same species, and they do not share a common ancestor. The common name “diamondback” comes from the fact that they have diamond-shaped spots on their backs, while the common names “gopher” and “snake” are used to refer to the other species.
How can you tell a rattlesnake from a rat snake?
Rat snakes don’t have scales on their backs, and they don’t have a rattle. Second, the rat snake’s tail is longer than its body. Rat snakes are found throughout the world, but they are most commonly found in South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. They are also found as far north as the Arctic Circle.
How long do you have after being bitten by a rattlesnake?
Within 30 minutes of being bitten, you should be able to get medical help. If the bite is not treated, your bodily functions will break down over a period of 2 or 3 days and the bite can cause permanent damage to your body. If you are bitten by a venomous snake, call your local emergency number immediately.
How do you keep rattlesnakes away?
Clear your yard of clutter, debris, and food sources. Set a trap or administer snake spray. Call a wildlife management service to dispose of snakes in a humane way. Remove all food and water sources from your home. If you have pets, make sure they are kept out of the house and away from the snake’s feeding area.
Where do rattlesnakes live?
In the southwest, rattlesnakes are very common and are found in almost every part of the united states. The largest populations are found in Mexico, Central America, and South America. The snakes are nocturnal, which means they sleep during the day and are active at night. They can live for up to 20 years, though they usually die in their 30s or 40s.
How does a rat snake look?
The eastern ratsnake is a shiny black snake with weakly keeled scales and an irregular black and white checkerboard pattern on the belly. The chin and throat are different colors. The juveniles look very different. They have patterned backs of gray and brown on a black background.
Ratsnakes are found throughout the eastern United States, but are most common in the southern half of the country, especially in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Their range extends from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes, from Texas to New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
