How to Identify a Rattlesnake

Contrary to popular opinion, rattlesnakes are found in nearly every state in the United States, Southern Canada and South American countries. Although rattlesnake bites are fairly common, only about 12 percent of those bitten actually die from the bite. When encountering one of these nasty critters the best course of action is to keep still since they are not naturally aggressive.

Instructions

• 1

  Study the various species of rattlesnakes. There are sixteen species of rattlesnakes in the United states and twenty-five in Mexico and throughout South American countries. The patterns and colors vary according to species.

• 2

  Listen for the notorious rattle when encountering a snake. This is not a definitive method for identifying them since the rattles are brittle and may break off, leaving you to look for other characteristics when encountering a snake.

• 3

  Examine the face for the pit between the eyes and nostrils characteristic of a pit viper. Rattlesnakes are a member of this family. The pits enable the snake to sense warm-blooded animals and even tell the size of the animal.

• 4

  Look at the eyes. Rattlesnakes have the cat-like vertical pupils common to most venomous snakes unlike the round pupils of most non-poisonous snakes. Rattlesnakes have no eyelids and cannot close their eyes so you cannot tell if they are asleep or not.

• 5

  Identify the shape of the head, which is wider than the neck. The rattlesnake has a triangular head that aids in the dislocation of its jaw when swallowing food.

• 6

  Notice the length and body-type of the snake. Rattlesnakes are normally between 2 and 3 feet long and have a heavy, thick body.