Snakes' flexible jaws allow them to swallow prey much larger than their head. Some large snakes can even eat cows and crocodiles.
A few species also carry potent venom. For example, the King Cobra is the world's largest venomous snake, reaching 18 feet long.
These creatures have transparent scales, called "brilles," instead of eyelids, which shed along with their skin during molting.
A snake's forked tongue is part of a sensory organ known as Jacobson's organ, which enables them to track their prey using chemical cues.
They can sense vibrations through their jaws, which travel to their inner ear, allowing them to detect prey and potential threats.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest species of rattlesnake in the Americas and the heaviest venomous snake.
It can grow to a maximum length of eight feet and has diamond-shaped dark brown, black, and yellow markings. Its head is triangular, with a dark stripe running through each eye.
They use their rattle at the end of their to hunt prey. Rattlesnakes of this kind are solitary creatures that seek out other rattlesnakes only during the breeding season.
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is a rattlesnake living in the arid landscapes of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. It is known for its diamond-shaped patterns and robust size, reaching up to 4 feet.
This type of rattlesnake earns its "coon tail" nickname due to its distinct tail pattern. The black and white banding resembles a raccoon's tail, hence the moniker.
The snake possesses a hemotoxic venom but uses it only when necessary. It is defensive and warns with its rattles before striking.
The snake is more active during cooler hours and feeds on small mammals, birds, lizards, and other snakes.
The Mojave Rattlesnake is a venomous snake in the southwestern United States and central Mexico.
Mojave Rattlesnake bites contain potent neurotoxins that can cause paralysis and death. However, the snake is not aggressive and will only strike if threatened.
Moreover, this type of rattlesnake can thrive in various habitats, where it eats small mammals, birds, lizards, and other snakes. They also keep rodent populations in check, balancing the ecosystem.
The Timber Rattlesnake is a well-camouflaged snake that resides in the rugged landscapes of eastern North America. They are relatively docile and measure anywhere from 36 to 60 inches.
Moreover, they have adapted to thrive in their environment, including hibernating in communal dens and exhibiting patience and precision in hunting. Through their predation, Timber Rattlesnakes regulate rodent populations.
The Sidewinder Rattlesnake is a nocturnal venomous snake species living in the arid landscapes of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Its unique sideways movement, horn-like scales above its eyes, and colored skin provide effective camouflage in desert terrain. Like other types of rattlesnakes, it uses its tail as a lure to catch prey.
While it is a formidable predator due to its hunting strategy, stealth, and venom, it prefers to avoid confrontation. It swiftly retreats when faced with potential threats.
The Red Diamond Rattlesnake is a rattlesnake species in the southwestern United States and Baja California in Mexico. It has a unique reddish-brown or pinkish hue and diamond-shaped patterns on its back.
Moreover, it can grow up to five feet long and thrive in various habitats. However, it prefers open, sandy environments over rocky terrains.
It primarily feeds on small mammals but occasionally eats birds, lizards, or snakes. Likewise, it is most active during cooler hours due to its nocturnal nature. Still, it may bask in the sun during colder seasons.
The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is a venomous species found in Arizona, New Mexico, and some regions of Mexico. Their black or dark grey coloration allows them to blend seamlessly into the surroundings.
They prey on small mammals such as mice, rats, squirrels, birds, or lizards and have a unique behavior of 'tail-flagging' as a warning to potential predators. Although encounters with this species are rare, always observe them from a safe distance.
The Pacific Rattlesnake is a highly adaptable species that can camouflage in various environments. It also thrives in habitats such as grasslands, coastal areas, forests, and deserts.
This type of rattlesnake sports a blended color pattern of browns and greys. Adult sizes reach between 2 and 5 feet, making them medium- to large-sized rattlesnakes.
This rattlesnake is a patient and precise predator that ambushes small mammals, birds, and lizards.
The Prairie Rattlesnake is a venomous pit viper exhibiting muted, earthy tones of greys and browns, camouflaging with dry landscapes. Adults typically measure between 1.5 to 3 feet in length.
This is a nominate subspecies, and it has one other subspecies called the Hopi Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis nuntius). It is smaller, growing only up to 2 feet. Its name is derived from the Native American Hopi tribe, which lives in the habitat where the snakes live.
