Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus Horridus)

Timber rattlesnake is a venomous snake largely found in the eastern United States, and is a member of the species pit viper. It is also known as banded rattlesnake, American viper, black rattlesnake, canebreaker, cane rattler, mountain rattlesnake, North American rattlesnake, pit viper, etc. Timber rattlesnake is one of the most dangerous species of snakes found in North America.

Physical Appearance
Timber rattlesnakes are large reptiles with an average length of 3 to 4 feet. But, sometimes they can even reach a length of 5 feet. They can be yellow, brown, gray or black in color. Cross bands or chevrons can be found on the back side. The yellow snakes usually have black or dark brown cross bands; while the brown, gray and black colored snakes have dark cross bands. Head is large and angular in shape with many small scales. Dark brown stripes can be found behind the eyes. The head also contains temperature sensitive pits near the eyes and nostrils. Neck is relatively narrower than the head.

Scales are present on the entire body of rattlesnakes. The scales present on the dorsal surface are ridged. The most distinguishing feature of rattlesnakes is the presence of a rattle at the tip of the large, but short tail. The rattle is made of horn-like segments, and produces a buzzing sound when vibrated. Every time, when a rattlesnake sheds off its skin, an additional segment gets added to the rattle.

Food and Habitat
Timber rattlesnake mainly feed on small mammals including, birds, frogs, mice, squirrels and sometimes even amphibians and other snakes. The temperature sensitive pits present on the head assist them in preying by detecting the prey. Besides, these pits also help in detecting other predators and thereby aids rattlesnake in defending itself from them. Rattlesnakes usually remain motionless on the ground alongside the fallen tree trunks, and wait for the prey to come closer. Despite the large size of the body, they can remain concealed in their surrounding with the help of the color of the skin.

Timber rattlesnakes generally inhabit deciduous forests. They can be found in furrowed terrain, as they use the crevices for hibernation or taking shelter during winter. Hibernation is a common behavior among rattlesnakes during winter i.e., from October to April or May. In United States, timber rattlesnakes can be found in more than 30 states.

Reproduction
The female rattlesnakes usually reproduce only once in 3 - 4 years. They reach the reproductive age at 7 - 11 years, and reproduce 3 - 5 times in their entire life. They give birth to 6 - 10 young ones at a time. One interesting fact about rattlesnakes is that though the females produce eggs, they keep them inside their body; the young ones are born after reaching a particular stage. Rattlesnakes usually live up to 20 years or more.

Present Status and Conservation
Destruction of habitats, and indiscriminate killing by humans are major threat faced by the timber rattlesnakes. Previously, there was a system, known as bounty system, through which award was given for killing rattlesnakes. In 1971, it was declared as an unlawful activity in New York as part of the conservation efforts. In 1998, rattlesnake was declared as a 'Protected Wild Animal', making its killing illegal excepting certain conditions. It is also declared as a threatened species in Illinois and Minnesota, and as endangered in Indiana and Ohio. In 2001, timber rattlesnake was listed as a near threatened species by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

Though highly venomous, rattlesnakes are of mild disposition, and they usually do not strike unless provoked to. They also have the capacity to control venom while biting, and hence sometimes bite without venom. Den sites are very crucial for the survival of this reptile. Destruction of their habitats by humans along with indiscriminate hunting is still posing a threat to this reptile. Besides, they reproduce at a low rate, which further highlights the necessity of extra care and conservation efforts for the protection of timber rattlesnakes.