Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers native to the Americas, recognized by a segmented rattle at the tail tip. Heat-sensitive pits between the eyes and nostrils help locate warm-bodied prey. They commonly feed on small mammals, birds or other animals. The rattle produces sound when its loose segments vibrate, warning nearby animals. Young begin with a small button and add segments through shedding, so rattle length does not reliably reveal age. Species occupy habitats ranging from deserts to forests and grasslands.