Prairie Rattlesnake | may be dangerous, but they are not aggressive

The prairie rattlesnake is one of the most famous and well-recognized types of pit viper in the world. These snakes like to live in arid and grassy environments and are found all throughout the central United States. Although they do not typically pose a threat to humans, prairie rattlesnakes are incredibly venomous and should be avoided for safety. However, as long as you respect their boundaries, prairie rattlesnakes are welcome and harmless part of the local ecosystem. Prairie rattlesnakes aren’t born with their rattles. Instead, they have a tiny nub at the end of their tail, and they grow another nub every time they shed their skin. After shedding 2-3 times, the snake is capable of making a rattling sound. Rattlesnakes have an incredibly high venom toxicity and are capable of delivering a bite that can kill humans and other large mammals. Female rattlesnakes never lay their eggs. Instead, the eggs hatch while still inside the female’s body, and she gives birth to live hatchlings. Prairie rattlesnakes don’t have great eyesight. Instead, they hunt using their exceptional smell and movement senses. Prairie rattlesnakes are rather large snakes that often grow to be three feet or longer. The largest ever recorded prairie rattlesnake was 4.97 feet long. Prairie rattlesnakes are usually light brown in color with darker brown patches that are often bordered in either tan or white. This species can be recognized immediately by its thin neck, triangle-shaped head, and distinctive tail rattle. This rattle is made out of bony segments that clatter against each other when the tail is flicked back and forth. Rattlesnakes often use this sound as a warning, although they do not always necessarily rattle before they strike.