Timber rattlesnake

The Zoo has two timber rattlesnakes on exhibit.

One is a male, born at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, NY, on July 19, 1997. He arrived at the Philadelphia Zoo on August 25, 2003.

We do not know much about the second rattlesnake. It used to be a pet, but was confiscated by the police department after the owner was bitten by one of his other venomous snakes. This snake arrived at the Zoo on November 23, 2011.

Viewing Hints

The timber rattlesnake can be found basking or hiding in a hollow log along side the Northern Copperhead, another venomous snake native to Pennsylvania.

Where to find me in the Zoo

Reptile House

Fun Facts

• During the winter months timber rattlesnakes will hibernate in dens. As many as 200 snakes have been known to congregate in these dens!
• Snakes have poor eyesight; their vision is limited to detecting motion at short distances.
• They have no ears but can detect vibrations in the ground to determine the size of passing animals, the animal's direction and distance from the snake.

Ask an Expert

Have a question about this animal?
Ask an Expert on our Docent Council!

This heavy bodied snake can be brown, orange, black, or yellow with black or dark brown cross bands along its back. The tail is usually black and tipped with a rattle. The rattle, which is probably the snake’s most distinguishable feature, is a series of modified scales on the end of the tail that are loosely connected. When the snake feels threatened it will shake the rattle creating a loud buzzing or rattling sound.

Behavior

Timber rattlesnakes are ambush predators. They will use smell and heat sensing pits that are located between each eye and nostril to locate prey. Their main diet is rodents. Generally the snake will release the prey immediately after envenomation. The prey will escape but the rattlesnake will track the prey and consume it after it has succumbed to the venom.

Reproduction

A female gives birth to 5-14 offspring in late summer or early fall. A female timber rattlesnake gives birth only every 3-4 years.

Size

Averages 3-6 ft. Males are generally larger than females.

Weight

3-4 lbs.

Diet

Timber rattlesnakes are carnivorous. In the wild, they eat mainly mice and other small mammals. The will also eat small birds, frogs and other snakes when they can catch them. Timber rattlesnakes are ambush feeders, they rely on their excellent sense of smell to locate prey trails and then lie in wait for their prey. At the Zoo, the snakes are offered mice appropriate to the size of the snake. During the late spring to late fall the snake will eat weekly – in the winter the snakes become very inactive and feed less frequently.

Geographic Range

Eastern and Midwest United States.