Eastern Timber Rattlesnake
The Eastern Timber Rattlesnake is a venomous snake native to the eastern United States. It typically has a distinctive pattern of dark brown or grayish bands on a lighter background, which helps it blend into its forested habitat. Adults can grow to be 3 to 5 feet long and are known for their characteristic rattle at the end of their tail, which they use as a warning signal when threatened.
These snakes prefer wooded areas, rocky hillsides, and wetlands, where they hunt small mammals, birds, and amphibians. While they are generally shy and avoid human contact, they can be dangerous if provoked. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their habitats, as they face threats from habitat loss and hunting.