Nebraska is home to a diverse range of snake species, with nearly 30 different types of snakes living in the state. However, only four of these snakes are venomous and potentially dangerous, including three different species of rattlesnake.
In this article, we will focus on the three different types of rattlesnakes found in Nebraska, including their identifying characteristics, habitat, behavior, and venomous properties. We will also discuss the historical significance of the Timber Rattlesnake and gain insights into the conservation status of Prairie Rattlesnakes.
You are reading: Discover The 3 Types Of Rattlesnakes In Nebraska
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking knowledge about the diverse species in Nebraska, this article is sure to captivate your interest.
3 Types Of Rattlesnakes In Nebraska
Timber Rattlesnake
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Copyright Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
The Timber Rattlesnake, also known as the Canebrake Rattlesnake, is one of the four kinds of poisonous snakes in Nebraska. It is a highly venomous species of rattlesnake that can be found in the eastern and central regions of the United States, including southeastern Nebraska and Wisconsin.
The Timber Rattlesnake has a broad, triangular head with many small scales on the crown, bordered by a few large scales over the eyes, the loreal pit, and rostrum. It has a heavy, light yellow, gray, or greenish-white body with a rust-colored strip along the length of its back, and a black tail that is tipped with rattles.
The rattle, which is made of loosely attached segments made of keratin, is the key feature distinctive to rattlesnakes, providing their namesake.
Timber Rattlesnakes are generally found in deciduous hardwood forests in rugged terrain, but they can also be found in lowlands, wetlands, or residential areas near dens. They use crevices in rocky faces or talus with westerly to easterly southern exposures for denning or overwintering, and open areas with rocky surfaces for basking, shedding, and birthing.
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The surrounding forests provide foraging habitat, and their prey includes rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice, and occasionally birds, other snakes, lizards, and frogs.
Despite their large size and reputation, Timber Rattlesnakes are difficult to provoke into rattling or biting, and they seek to escape rather than risking danger.
Prairie Rattlesnake
The Prairie Rattlesnake, also known as the Western Rattlesnake, is one of the four kinds of poisonous snakes in Nebraska. It is the most common venomous snake found in Nebraska and is found in the western two-thirds of the state.
The Prairie Rattlesnake has a greenish to gray to light brown back color with a white belly color and brownish blotches down the back. It has a rattle present on the end of its tail, a pit on each side of the head between the nostril and eye, and vertical elliptical pupils.
The Prairie Rattlesnake is moderate in size, about 35-45 inches long, and feeds on small mammals, rarely birds, and rarely lizards. It lives in short and mixed-grass prairies, prairie dog towns, rocky mesas, canyons, and outcrops.
The Prairie Rattlesnake is usually quite shy and tries to avoid humans as much as possible, but it will strike if it feels threatened or harassed.
Western Massasauga
The Western Massasauga is the smallest rattlesnake in Nebraska, measuring between 18-39 inches long. It is a subspecies of the massasauga rattlesnake and is also known as the swamp rattler in Nebraska.
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The Western Massasauga is gray and brown with dark, round brown blotches on its back. It is usually found in the southeastern corner of Nebraska, preferring prairies, grasslands, and wet or marsh-like areas.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission lists the Western Massasauga as an at-risk and threatened species, and it is protected by state laws. The Western Massasauga feeds on small mammals, such as mice and voles, and is rear-fanged, producing a mild venom that is not dangerous to humans.
The Western Massasauga is often confused with other non-venomous snakes that look like rattlesnakes, such as the Prairie Kingsnake.
FAQS
1. How many types of rattlesnakes are found in Nebraska?
Nebraska is home to three types of rattlesnakes: the Timber Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake, and Western Massasauga.
2. Are all rattlesnakes venomous?
Yes, all rattlesnakes are venomous, but they mostly strike if threatened or attacked.
3. What are the identifying characteristics of the Timber Rattlesnake?
The Timber Rattlesnake has a broad, triangular head with many small scales on the crown, bordered by a few large scales over the eyes, the loreal pit, and rostrum. It has a heavy, light yellow, gray, or greenish-white body with a rust-colored strip along the length of its back, and a black tail that is tipped with rattles.
4. What is the conservation status of the Prairie Rattlesnake?
The Prairie Rattlesnake is the most common venomous snake found in Nebraska and is listed as a species in need of conservation. It is also protected by state laws.
5. What is the Western Massasauga?
The Western Massasauga is the smallest rattlesnake in Nebraska, measuring between 18-39 inches long. It is a subspecies of the massasauga rattlesnake and is also known as the swamp rattler in Nebraska.
6. Are there any non-venomous snakes in Nebraska that are often mistaken for rattlesnakes?
Yes, there are several non-venomous snakes in Nebraska that are often mistaken for rattlesnakes, including the Prairie Kingsnake.
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