Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Description: Prairie rattlesnakes have dark blotches that flatten into rings at the tail. At the end of the tail is a rattle made of hard, dry segments; when shaken vigorously, these segments knock together to produce the buzzing, rattling sound.
Habitat: Habitats are as widely-varying as prairies, arid basins, wooded mountains, caves, rock ledges, and the sides of streams. Prairie rattlesnakes are mostly terrestrial but can sometimes be found climbing trees or shrubs.
Distribution: The snakes occur in the United States west of Texas and the Dakotas. They also live in parts of Canada and northern Mexico.
Food: Prairie rattlesnakes eat small amphibians, birds, other reptiles, and small mammals. The venom in the rattlesnake's fangs immobilizes prey.
Resources: Animal Diversity Web, NatureServe Explorer
