Crotalus

The genus Crotalus, commonly known as rattlesnakes, comprises 33 species of venomous New World vipers. These snakes are characterized by a segmented rattle at the tip of their tail, which produces a buzzing sound when vibrated. Rattlesnakes are found across North and South America, with the greatest diversity in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.1

Adult rattlesnakes typically range from 0.5 to 2.5 meters (1.6 to 8.2 feet) in length and are often marked with dark diamonds or blotches on a lighter background. They are pit vipers, possessing heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils that aid in hunting. Rattlesnakes primarily prey on small mammals, especially rodents, and lizards. While venomous and potentially dangerous if provoked, rattlesnakes are generally shy and not aggressive towards humans. Bites can be painful and, in some cases, fatal, but medical treatment has significantly improved outcomes.1234