How many timber rattlesnakes are left

If one is bitten, seek immediate medical attention. According to popular belief, one can tell the age of a rattlesnake by the number of rattles present at the end of its tail.

A baby rattlesnake is born with the first segment of its rattle, called a "button". As the snake grows and with each molting of its outer skin an additional segment is added to its rattle.

Younger snakes shed more often than older snakes, but on average, free-ranging snakes may molt three to six times a year. Another clue to a snake's age is its color: timber rattlers darken as they age, and the darkest are old males. The scientific name, Crotalus horridus, is formed from two Latin words: crotalum, meaning "bell or rattle," and horridus, for "dreadful"—which makes reference to its venom. Life History Rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice and occasionally birds, other snakes, lizards, and frogs are the timber rattlesnake's prey.

Habitat Timber rattlesnakes prefer moist lowland forests and hilly woodlands or thickets near permanent water sources such as rivers, lakes, ponds, streams and swamps where tree stumps, logs and branches provide refuge. Distribution Timber rattlesnakes are found in upland woods and rocky ridges in the eastern United States; the eastern third of Texas. Other Although many timber rattlers meet their deaths at the hands of people or by automobiles, the fastest way to kill timber rattlesnake populations is by destroying or altering the places they need to hunt, hibernate and live.

Today, every state inhabited by timber rattlesnakes has laws protecting the species, including Texas. It could be because it is not supported, or that JavaScript is intentionally disabled. Some of the features on CT. Find a vaccination site near you at ct. All customer facing DEEP services have returned to normal business operations. Background and Conservation Concerns: The timber rattlesnake is one of only two venomous species found in Connecticut; the other is the northern copperhead.

This beautifully patterned snake is extremely rare in the state and is listed as an endangered species. It was probably widespread in Connecticut during colonial times, as evidenced by the many land features named "rattlesnake" i. In the past, some Connecticut towns had bounties that encouraged people to collect and kill rattlesnakes, and many dens were repeatedly decimated.

Once documented in over 20 towns in Connecticut, this snake is now limited to isolated populations in about 10 towns in the central and western portions of the state. Timber rattlesnake populations have declined, mainly because of human activity and persecution, which includes illegal pet trade, intentional killing, habitat degradation and fragmentation, and human development.

Range: The timber rattlesnake historically occurred in 31 states, but is now found in only 27 states. A majority of the states where this species occurs although not all offers some protection for populations. Description: Rattlesnakes can usually be identified by the distinctive, segmented rattle at the tip of the tail. Other distinguishing characteristics include vertical eye pupils; large heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils known as pit organs ; a flattened, unmarked, triangular head about twice the size of the neck; and keeled scales raised ridge in the center of each scale, making the skin appear rough.

This heavy-bodied snake can grow to lengths between 36 and 54 inches average 40 inches. Both sexes are similar, although males have longer tails not rattles. Timber rattlesnakes that occur in Connecticut usually have black or brown crossbands on a yellow, brown, or gray background. The crossbands, which may be V-shaped, break up toward the head to form a row of dark spots down the back and on each side. Sometimes the snakes are darker, with a heavy speckling of black or very dark brown that hides much of the lighter pigment.

Habitat and Diet: In Connecticut, timber rattlesnakes inhabit deciduous forests often second growth in rugged terrain with steep ledges, rock slides, and a nearby water supply. Dens are usually located in rocky ledges.

The timber rattlesnake is a pit viper, so named because of two heat-sensing pits located between the eyes and nostrils. Timber rattlesnakes are venomous. They are stocky snakes with brown, tan, gray, dark gray, or yellowish bodies with darker V-shaped bands along their length. Their bellies are yellow. Their heads are much wider than their necks and have a triangular shape.

Unlike the eyes of the non-venomous snakes in Connecticut, a rattlesnake's eyes have vertical pupils. Rattlesnakes also have 2 openings on each side of their head in contrast to the 1 opening present in Connecticut's non-venomous snakes.

A rattlesnake's most well-known feature is the rattle on the tip of its tail. Rattlesnakes are born with one rattle button.

Each time the skin is shed, another rattle segment can be added. However, the segments on the tip can break off so the number of rattle segments is not a measure of a rattlesnake's age. The rattle is often vibrated when the snake is alarmed as a warning. Many other non-venomous snakes will vibrate their tail tips in warning and make a buzzing sound or a rustling sound in dry leaves.

They usually hold their tail tips low to the ground. A rattler will hold its tail high when rattling. Click the link under the photo to hear the sound of a rattlesnake rattle.

There are several rattlesnake subspecies with ranges through different areas of the US. The range of the timber rattlesnake is generally from extreme southwestern Maine south to northern Florida, west into southeastern Minnesota and central Texas. In Connecticut timber rattlesnakes only live in the extreme northwestern corner of the state and in a small area in central Connecticut.

Their population is in decline and they are an Endangered species here. It is illegal to persecute or collect them. Timber rattlesnake habitat consists of forest with rocky outcroppings and dry rocky ridges. They need large sections of uninterrupted forest to do well.

Mating season occurs primarily in May in New England. Females will bear 5 to 17 live young, usually in September.