Species Reptiles & AmphibiansPrairie Rattlesnake

Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

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

The Prairie Rattlesnake is the most widely distributed rattlesnake in North America, ranging from Canada to Mexico across the Great Plains. It overwinters communally in large den aggregations.

Habitat
Prairie grasslands, rocky outcrops, and sagebrush flats
Diet
Small rodents, rabbits, and ground-nesting birds
How common
Common

Best time to see a Prairie Rattlesnake

The best time to see a Prairie Rattlesnake is April–July, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 43,767 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Prairie Rattlesnake sightings near you

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