Field Herper.com

Field notes and photography by Bryan D. Hughes
Jan
11th
2012

Black Phase Timber Rattlesnakes

Two of many seen in Spring of 2011.

C-horridus-18-051411
Crotalus-horridus-2-051611

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5 Responses to “Black Phase Timber Rattlesnakes”

  1. Crotalus says:

    Just in case you were wondering, these are the snakes that inspired our Gadsden and Culpeper flags.

  2. Rueben Mchaney says:

    Awesome post! Super informative. Loved the video & the baby pod. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Hi
    I have a question regarding the timber rattle snakes in Arizona. I have heard they are more timid in actions than other snakes and will try and avoid people more often than not.

  4. That is generally true of all rattlesnakes – they will try to remain unseen and won’t really rattle unless necessary. Some snakes species, and individuals within each, have different tolerances. Timber rattlesnakes, in my experience, are more apt to remain quiet and let their camouflage do the work.

    In Arizona, we actually do not have timber rattlesnakes. We have a species called an Arizona Black Rattlesnake that people call a timber, but is a very different species. They live somewhat similar lifestyles, being mostly woodland snakes, and also are more apt to remain quiet than others. Grassland species, in contrast (mojave rattlesnakes, prairie rattlesnakes) are more likely to buzz at a lower tolerance. It is thought this may be in response to the danger of being stepped on. If I were walking around, I’d rather have the snakes that are fast to give warning!

  5. I have conducted field research on timber rattlesnakes for 15 years in both Vinton and Scioto Counties and have seen mostly black phased timber rattlesnakes in Vinton County. I have yet to see a solid black phase timber rattlesnake in other counties of Ohio, however, I am sure there are populations. To me The Timber Rattlesnake should recieve federal protection since it was the second national symbol before the Bald Eagle.

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