The timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, varies in color but has dark bands on a lighter skin along with a rattle at the end of its tail. Coastal varieties have a brown or orange “racing strip” down the middle of the back. Timber rattlesnakes can be found throughout much of the state including the western, south central, and eastern parts of the state.
Typical adult length: 4 feet
Habitat: forests
Defenses used: camouflaging, rattling its tail (sometimes)
Bite severity: Bites from rattlesnakes are usually more severe than other NC venomous snakes and are a medical emergency.
Call NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or chat from this site for snakebite treatment advice or for questions about the venomous snakes in our area.
