Prairie Rattlesnake

This snake is a venomous pit viper. They can grow to be quite large with some specimens exceeding 140 cm (4.6 ft) in length. These snakes have different color patterns across their range, but typically they are brown to tan with darker spots on their back.

Identification characteristics will vary depending on which subspecies is encountered. Generally, western rattlesnakes are usually lightly colored in hues of brown. Patches of dark brown are often distributed in a dorsal pattern. A color band may be seen at the back of the eye. The western rattlesnake group carries the distinctive triangular-shaped head and pit sensory organs on either side of the head. A key characteristic that can help differentiate a western rattlesnake from other rattlesnakes is the presence of two internasals contacting the rostral