Description
The Timber Rattlesnake is a greyish-brown to yellow, thick-bodied snake with a triangular-shaped head and dark markings that start as blotches on the front of the body but are fused together to form crossbands (chevron-shaped markings) along most of the body and the tail. The colouration at the tip of the tail becomes noticeably dark. It can grow to almost two metres long.
The Timber Rattlesnake is a greyish-brown to yellow, thick-bodied snake with a triangular-shaped head and dark markings that start as blotches on the front of the body but are fused together to form crossbands (chevron-shaped markings) along most of the body and the tail. The colouration at the tip of the tail becomes noticeably dark. It can grow to almost two metres long.
Action we are taking:
Current Range
This species occurs throughout the eastern and central United States, although it is locally extirpated in many areas.
Historical Range in Ontario
This rattlesnake was found along the Niagara Escarpment, primarily in the Niagara area. The most recent confirmed records of this rattlesnake in Ontario are from the Niagara Gorge in the 1940s.
Why It Disappeared from Ontario
The Timber Rattlesnake was consciously eradicated from Ontario by people. In the nineteenth century, hunting parties would attack den sites and kill all the snakes that could be found.
Habitat
The Timber Rattlesnake was consciously eradicated from Ontario by people. In the nineteenth century, hunting parties would attack den sites and kill all the snakes that could be found.
Threats
Changes in water levels can have a major impact on breeding American White Pelicans. High water levels can flood nests whereas low water levels can make nesting colonies susceptible to more predators, such as coyotes, through land-bridges. Disease (e.g., avian botulism and West Nile) and human disturbance are also threats. American White Pelicans are also susceptible to shooting, oil spills and water contamination on their southern wintering grounds.
Protection
Help Make Sure We Don’t Lose More Endangered Species in Ontario
- The Ministry of Natural Resources tracks species at risk such as the Timber Rattlesnake. The Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas collects observations of all Ontario reptiles and amphibians. Submit your observations to either of these databases at nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/species/species_report.cfm and www.ontarionature.org/atlas.
- Try to develop an appreciation for snakes; they play an important role in our environment. Whether in a field or in your backyard, if you come across a snake, keep in mind that you are much larger than it is and the snake is more afraid of you than you are of it.
- If you come across a snake, please don’t try to capture it, handle it or kill it. Snakes can be delicate and improper handling can cause serious injury. Also, certain species are protected under legislation, which makes it illegal to harass, harm or kill them. Be respectful and observe from a distance.
- Watch for snakes that may be crossing roads between May and October. Road mortality is a serious threat to snakes because they are slow moving, hard to see on the road and are sometimes intentionally run over. If it is safe to do so, help snakes across the road in the direction they were headed.
- Private land owners have an important role to play in species recovery. You may be eligible for stewardship programs that support the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats.
- Report poaching of snakes and other animals to 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667).
- Volunteer with a local nature club or provincial park to participate in surveys or stewardship work focused on species at risk.
- Visit the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (www.ontarionature.org/atlas) or Toronto Zoo Adopt-a-Pond website (www.torontozoo.com/Adoptapond to learn more about Ontario’s rare snakes, their habitat and related conservation initiatives.
Did you know?
This rattlesnake is a sit and wait predator. It frequently coils up adjacent to a small mammal scent trail and may wait for several days for the unsuspecting small mammal.
Did you know?
Individuals return to the same hibernation site year after year.
Did you know?
Although the Timber Rattlesnake is venomous, there are few records of human fatalities. More people die every year from insect stings than rattlesnake bites.
Contact your local ministry office
Often the best source of local information on species at risk is your nearest ministry office. Call with your questions or concerns.
