How to Spot a Rattlesnake

There are more than 30 varieties of new world rattlesnakes. These snakes are among the most feared creatures in the United States and one of only four poisonous snakes living in this country. Here's how to spot a rattlesnake.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for a rattlesnake in its habitat. Rattlesnake habitats vary depending on the rattlesnake. The types of rattlers in the United Snakes have adapted to life in a variety of locations. The common habitat reveals the snake's preference for rocky outcroppings. They are also abundant in areas where their prey is abundant.

• 2

  Spot a rattlesnake in certain states of the United States. Rattlesnakes are found in the 48 contiguous United States. They are most plentiful in the west and southwestern portions of the United States, but can be seen in any state except Alaska and Hawaii.

• 3

  Find rattlesnakes during particular seasons and months of the year. Snakes return to the same area each year to hibernate for the winter. They look for rocky ledges and are known to hibernate in dens of snakes. Rattlesnakes come out of their dens in late May and early June, when the weather is typical drier and warmer.

• 4

  Know a rattlesnake by its appearance. Rattlesnakes vary in color from subspecies and variation. The dominant characteristic of all rattlesnakes is a rattle at the end of its tail. The rattlesnake gets a new rattler each time it sheds its skin and babies get their first rattler after the first shedding. The rattlesnake can grow to be from 2-feet to 5-feet long, depending on the snake. Some rattlesnakes are heavy bodied while others are long and slender.

• 5

  Familiarize yourself with rattlesnake behavior. The rattlesnake rarely travels beyond a 1-mile radius from its den, but this can vary. They are most aggressive when they mate, are giving birth or are shedding. They attack when provoked. However, they first rattle their tails as a warning to stay away, as they prefer to slither away when scared.