Well, dearest readers and friends, it is that time once again: springtime. The snow is melting off. Seasonal waterfalls are roaring. Spring rains have returned, and warmer temperatures are arriving each and every day. This is a time of renewed life – of rebirth – and for some of Indiana’s creepiest crawling critters, it’s time to come out of hibernation and greet the world once again. One such creature to keep your eyes peeled for is the timber rattlesnake, a venomous pit viper that makes its home in southern Indiana. This spring, be sure to look out for rattlesnakes in Indiana – they’re all bursting back to life, and you don’t want to accidentally encounter one!
These little (okay, not-so-little) guys can make their homes just about anywhere, from lush, green forests to floodplains, hills, and more - and they just so happen to thrive in southern Indiana.
JB Banks/Flickr Though some specimens of the timber rattlesnake have been found to reach up to seven feet in length, they most commonly stop growing at around two and a half to five feet long. They are large, heavy, and very easy to overlook thanks to their brilliantly camouflaged skins.
The timber rattlesnakes’ range is across much of the east and east central United States; they’ve been found as far south as the eastern Texas coasts and as far north as New York.
Nthnjustice/Wikimedia Once upon a time, they could be found in Maine and parts of southern Canada, but unfortunately this is no longer the case. Even here in Indiana, these rattlesnakes are considered endangered.
The timber rattlesnakes’ color ranges from grey to dusty brown, with a reddish or light brown stripe extending down the back.
Douglas Mills/Flickr They have dark coloration, either dark brown or black, on the tips of their tails, and black markings across their backs spanning the length of their bodies. They are venomous and look quite fierce, but believe it or not, bites by venomous snakes in Indiana are pretty rare.
Your best bet for running into one is by accidentally stepping on him in a wooded or grassy area - a recipe for disaster if you’re wearing thin pants or otherwise inadequate protection from bites within the snakes’ reach.
Peter Paplanus/Flickr The timber rattlesnake much prefers to sit perfectly still, either coiled up or stretched out, until the danger it perceives - in this case, you - passes. They are not outwardly aggressive, and they much prefer to be left alone.
Like any rattlesnake, the timber rattler sounds a warning “rattle” on its tail when it perceives a threat to its safety.
Nathan Rupert/Flickr This sound is distinctive and just about everyone - from everywhere - knows what it means: back up!
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these little guys this spring - it’s easy to accidentally step on one, potentially gravely injuring it and risking a nasty bite for yourself.
Peter Paplanus/Flickr
Have you ever encountered one of these rattlesnakes in Indiana? Tell us about your experience in the comments, and keep your eyes peeled – these little guys are going to be out and about very soon, and it’s best to coexist with them than to seek them out. They are an important part of Indiana’s ecosystem, and should we lose them entirely, there could be dire consequences.
JB Banks/Flickr
Though some specimens of the timber rattlesnake have been found to reach up to seven feet in length, they most commonly stop growing at around two and a half to five feet long. They are large, heavy, and very easy to overlook thanks to their brilliantly camouflaged skins.
Nthnjustice/Wikimedia
Once upon a time, they could be found in Maine and parts of southern Canada, but unfortunately this is no longer the case. Even here in Indiana, these rattlesnakes are considered endangered.
Douglas Mills/Flickr
They have dark coloration, either dark brown or black, on the tips of their tails, and black markings across their backs spanning the length of their bodies. They are venomous and look quite fierce, but believe it or not, bites by venomous snakes in Indiana are pretty rare.
Peter Paplanus/Flickr
The timber rattlesnake much prefers to sit perfectly still, either coiled up or stretched out, until the danger it perceives - in this case, you - passes. They are not outwardly aggressive, and they much prefer to be left alone.
Nathan Rupert/Flickr
This sound is distinctive and just about everyone - from everywhere - knows what it means: back up!
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