Species Reptiles & AmphibiansWestern Rattlesnake

Western Rattlesnake

Crotalus oreganus

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus)
Safety note: Venomous — keep distance

The Western Rattlesnake encompasses several subspecies across the Pacific states. It varies considerably in color and pattern across its range. A sit-and-wait predator that relies on heat-sensing pits to detect prey.

Habitat
Rocky hillsides, chaparral, grasslands, and open forests
Diet
Rodents, rabbits, and lizards
How common
Common

Best time to see a Western Rattlesnake

The best time to see a Western Rattlesnake is March–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 35,586 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Western Rattlesnake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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