Timber Rattlesnake
(Crotalus horridus)[8]
Distribution:
It's range is very similar to the Copperhead, with habitats spanning from southern New York to western Texas. They have been sighted as far north as southern Michigan. They lie on both ends of North Carolina, but have only a sparse population in the foothills. Tending to live in highly forested areas, these snakes will hide among leaf litter.
North Carolina Range of the Timber Rattlesnake[4]
Description:
At full adult length, these snakes can be up to 4 feet long. The Timber Rattlesnake has a triangular head, distinct from the rest of the body. The eyes of the Timber Rattlesnake have a cat slit pupil. This eye can be seen in the picture below. The snake does have a rattle which can be quite low pitched and very fast. The tone of the snake is gray, yellow or brown with zig-zag black bands running across the body. Coastal varieties of the snake tend to have a light brown or orange racing-stripe running down its back (Mcdiarmid, 1999).
Sound of Timber Rattlesnake Rattling (Reptiles_and_Wildlife LINY 2015)
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| Dark brown Timber Rattlesnake in protective position[9] |
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| Gray Timber Rattlesnake blending[10] |
Toxins & Defenses:
The Timber Rattlesnake is part of a special group of venomous snakes with populations of varying toxins. Most Timber Rattlesnakes have a very similar toxin to the Copperhead and Cottonmouth in that it affects the blood and surrounding tissues (Norris, 2004; Gold 2002). Some populations have developed a neurotoxin known as a "canebrake" or "crotoxin" which has similar effects to the Coral Snake. This neurotoxin will slow muscle function and if left untreated can potentially lead to heart failure (Campbell, 2004). The rattle of the Timber Rattlesnake is also used as a defense to ward off would be predators and threats.
What To Do If Bitten:
If you are bitten, it is important to remain calm.
Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake which bit you. The Timber Rattlesnake's bite can potentially be deadly due to the potential for a neurotoxin to be present. Make sure that when you call you mention that it was a Timber Rattlesnake so that medical professionals can assist you more quickly. Call the Carolina's Poison Center at
1-800-222-1222. Attempt to clean the wound if you have access to soap and water. Cleaning with warm soap and water helps to prevent further infection. Cutting off blood circulation below and above the wound can slow venom affects (Madey, 2013) If you can also attempt to elevate the wound above the heart. If you can not reach the CPC for whatever reason, you should call
911. The police can help find you a local hospital with antivenin. If you can, have a family member or friend take you to the nearest hospital where you can receive proper treatment.
