Field Guide to Maryland's Snakes (Order Squamata)
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Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) |
![Photo of Timber Rattlesnake courtesy of Scott A. Smith](/wildlife/PublishingImages/snake_TR_ScottSmith.jpg)
Photo of Timber Rattlesnake courtesy of Scott A. Smith
| Size: 36 inches – 60 inches Record: 74 ½ inches. | Appearance:- Venomous
- The only snake in Maryland with a rattle.
- A triangular and flattened head with facial “pits” between each eye and nostril.
- Vertically slit iris.
- There are two color phases:
- the yellow phase, with dark brown to black V-shaped chevrons over a yellow, gray or brown back; chevrons may break up into large spots.
- the black phase, with a black head and black chevrons or blotches on a field of dark brown or black.
- Scale are keeled.
- Unlike our other venomous snake, the Copperhead, the young of the Timber Rattler do not have yellow-tipped tails.
![Close-up Photo of Timber Rattlesnake Rattle - courtesy of Scott A. Smith](/wildlife/PublishingImages/snake_TR_ScottSmith2.jpg) Close-up Photo of Timber Rattlesnake Rattle courtesy of Scott A. Smith
| Habitats:Prefer upland forested areas with rocky outcrops and talus slopes. | How to Find:This is a shy species; they avoid areas frequented by humans. Diurnal during the spring and fall, nocturnal during summer to avoid the heat. Most active in the spring following hibernation. Warning – this is a venomous snake. Do not attempt to capture or handle. They will readily bite if provoked, and bites are extremely painful. Seek medical attention immediately if bitten.
![Photo of Habitat for Timber Rattlesnake courtesy of R. Harrison Wiegand](/wildlife/PublishingImages/snake_TR_Hab_RHWiegand.jpg) Photo of Habitat for Timber Rattlesnake courtesy of R. Harrison Wiegand
| Distribution in Maryland:Exclusively a western Maryland species, from Frederick to Garrett County, although historical records place these snakes east to the Susquehanna River.
![Timber Rattlesnake - Distribution in Maryland](/wildlife/PublishingImages/snake_TR_Map.jpg)
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