Pygmy Rattlesnake

Sistrurus miliarius is what the pygmy, also known as pygmy rattler or ground rattler, is scientifically attributed as. 38 - 56 cm in length, this is a smaller species of pit viper, when compared to the larger ones of the genus Crotalus. The pygmy rattle snake is characteristically marked by 9 large scales on top of its head and it produces a feeble sound (buzzing sound) with its tiny rattle, that can only be heard from a few feet. According to latest findings, there are three sub species of the pygmy rattle snake which have been identified. They include the Dusky pygmy rattlesnake (S. m. barbouri), Carolina pygmy rattlesnake (S. m. miliarius ) and the Western pygmy rattlesnake (S. m. Streckeri).

Facts About the Pygmy Rattlesnake

The pygmy rattlesnake, given its petite size, can be rarely spotted. Most of its time is spent hiding among leaf litter, burrows or other hiding places. Flatwoods, creeks, streams, lakes, sandhills, mixed forests of pine and hardwoods, scrub pinewoods, marshes, swamps, floodplains, longleaf pine-wiregrass forests and xeric uplands are the places which account for the habitat of this snake and its sub species. Staying in well-hidden places, the snake is able to lay a well ambushed attack on prey such as lizard, frogs, birds, small mammals and insects.

The base color of the pygmy rattlesnake can range from red to orange and even other colors as well. Most species, however, bear a reddish tan color and have a black strip that runs down from the eye to the mouth. Rows of spots are common to all pygmy species.

The Dusky pygmy rattlesnake populates regions of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee and are also present in Piedmont, but in scattered numbers. The northeastern, northwestern and central portion of Georgia and throughout South Carolina constitute the range where the Carolina pygmy snake is found. Speaking of the western pygmy rattlesnake, eastern Texas, Arkansas, southern Missouri and north into southeastern Oklahoma are among the places it inhabits.

The venom of this snake, although hemorrhagic (destroys red blood cells) and tissue toxic by nature, is not life-threatening. However, its bite may cause extreme pain and may cause loss of a digit, if left untreated. The venom has enough strength to immobilize a small mammal within 35 - 40 seconds. Similar to the behavior exhibited by other pit vipers, even this snake leaves its prey after having laid its fangs on it. Later, the snake tracks the scent of the injured prey and feeds on it after it dies.

The reason this species fall under the classification of pit vipers is the appearance of its facial pits. These pits are situated below and between the eye and nostrils on both sides of the head. These pits are an essential part of the survival of this snake as they serve as infrared sensors. This helps the snake locate the track and direction of warm-blooded prey or even predators.

The pygmy rattlesnake is included in the list of protected animal species by the North Carolina and Tennessee law. However, in South Carolina or Georgia, it does not have any protection status. The prospect of keeping this snake, and any snake for that matter is a great deal of responsibility and certainly, not for novices. So, get yourself fully abreast of the requirements of the reptile and tips on keeping it healthy in captivity. But I strongly feel that snakes belong to the wild because they are meant to be.