Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis · Viperidae (Pit Viper)
Also called: Western Rattlesnake, Great Plains Rattlesnake
The classic rattlesnake of the Great Plains. Well-camouflaged in dry grass, with a potent venom that makes it the main medically significant snake across the central US.
What the Prairie Rattlesnake looks like
How to identify it
- 1Greenish-gray to tan body with dark, lighter-edged dorsal blotches
- 2Blotches become bands near the tail above the rattle
- 3Broad triangular head and a clear rattle
- 4Light stripes on the side of the face
Snakes it's confused with
Harmless mimic; hisses and shakes its tail but has round pupils and no rattle.
Behavior & danger to humans
Will rattle and stand its ground; bites are a medical emergency.
⚠️ Danger: Venomous. A bite needs immediate emergency care and antivenom.
Related snakes
VenomousEastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus
The largest venomous snake in North America and arguably the most dangerous. Its hemotoxic venom destroys tissue and blood cells, and a defensive bite is a medical emergency.
VenomousCopperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Responsible for more venomous snakebites than any other US species, but its bite is rarely fatal. Excellent camouflage in leaf litter leads to surprise encounters.
VenomousCottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
Agkistrodon piscivorus
A semi-aquatic pit viper named for the white interior of its mouth, which it gapes as a warning. The only venomous water snake in North America.
VenomousEastern Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius
A relative of cobras with potent neurotoxic venom. Famous for the rhyme 'red touches yellow, kill a fellow' that separates it from harmless mimics.