Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus — Viperidae

30–60 inches

IUCN

Least Concern

Federal (US)

None

Virginia

Endangered

VWAP Tier

Tier IIa

Habitat

forestterrestrial

Found in Virginia

Coastal plain Piedmont Blue ridge Valley and ridge

How to identify

Rattle at the tip of the tail
Heavy body, 30–60 inches
Dark brown or black crossbands on gray or yellowish-brown body
Large, triangular head clearly distinct from neck
Elliptical pupils
Some adults become almost entirely black

About this species

Virginia's largest venomous snake and one of its most imperiled, the timber rattlesnake is a state endangered species. They have a fragmented range in Virginia — mountain populations in the Blue Ridge and Ridge and Valley, and a distinct coastal plain population in the southeastern swamps. Despite their size and powerful venom, timber rattlesnakes are remarkably docile and bites are extremely rare.

Often confused with

Eastern Hog-nosed Snake

Hog-nosed snakes lack a rattle and have an upturned snout; they dramatically flatten their head when threatened but are harmless

Eastern Ratsnake

Rat snakes lack a rattle and have round pupils; juvenile rat snakes are patterned but have a more slender body

Did you know

"Timber rattlesnakes are among the most long-lived snakes in North America — some individuals are estimated to be over 30 years old, and females may only reproduce every 3–5 years."

SERC rehabilitation notes State endangered. SERC does not rehabilitate venomous snakes. If encountered, do not disturb. Report sightings to Virginia DWR.

Sightings & citizen science

Help document Virginia wildlife by logging your sightings on iNaturalist. Every observation builds the conservation data that researchers and rehabbers depend on.

View Timber Rattlesnake observations on iNaturalist ↗

Found one injured?

If you've found an injured or displaced Timber Rattlesnake in Virginia, our triage guide walks you through what to do.

Triage guide →