Prairie Rattlesnake
Description:
The Prairie Rattlesnake is one of the largest subspecies of Crotalus viridis. These snakes are often found in dense populations. Their size ranges from 35-45 inches at the largest. The snake is usually greenish gray, olive-green, or greenish brown in color, but sometimes-light brown or yellowish. The 33-35 dark brown blotches are narrowly bordered with white. The number of rattles varies between males and females. The number in males is 6-15 (avg. 9.8) and females have 4-11 (avg.7.4). The two or three most recent rattles that were formed are black.
Habitat:
The Prairie Rattlesnake lives in grassland, but retreats in winter to dens in rocky outcrops and ledges. It also ascends into mountains, but only rarely above 8000 ft (2400m). Other places where Prairie Rattlesnakes have been encountered are in prairies, cultivated land, brush, sandy areas, woodland, forest, rocky slopes, along streams, caves; avoids true desert.
Diet:
Prairie Rattlesnakes eat rodents, some ground nesting birds, and sometimes—other snakes.
Interesting Facts:
These rattlesnakes will travel short distances while continuously “tasting” the air with their fork tongues, picking up scents, and stopping at areas that have a heavy odor of mice – their preferred food. Here, they will find a “rodent runway” – a path that is consistently used by rodents – and coil and wait for a rodent to come within striking range. Prairie rattlesnakes enjoy the water. They can be found swimming in lakes and rivers. Prairie rattlesnakes cannot strike while in the water.
