Reptile · GBIF taxon 2444446
Western Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganusAlso known as Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, Oregon Rattlesnake, Western Pit Viper
Western rattlesnakes are highly adaptable pit vipers that navigate diverse terrains from dry sagebrush deserts to cool mountain forests. They rely on heat-sensing facial pits to locate warm-blooded prey in total darkness, striking with remarkable precision. During the cold winter months, these social reptiles gather in communal dens, occasionally sharing winter quarters with other snake species.
VenomousCamouflagedCrepuscular
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Deer mice
- Ground squirrels
- Lizards
Predators
- Birds of prey
- Coyotes
- Kingsnakes
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, road mortality, and intentional killing by humans
HabitatsSagebrush steppe, dry forests, rocky hillsides, and agricultural fields
Life span15 to 20 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyViperidae
- SpeciesCrotalus oreganus
Native
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Possesses potent hemotoxic venom; maintain a distance of at least fifteen feet and never attempt to handle.
- Why it is dangerous
- Venom is primarily hemotoxic, destroying red blood cells and tissue, which causes severe swelling, pain, and systemic damage.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a triangular head, vertical pupils, heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils, and a rattle on the tail.
- What to do
- Never attempt to touch, capture, or kill the snake; back away slowly and give it a clear escape route.
Responsible observation
- Listen closely: The dry, buzzing rattle is a clear warning to back away immediately.
- Watch your step: Use a flashlight at night and avoid placing hands or feet in rocky crevices.
- Give them space: If encountered on a trail, freeze, locate the snake, and slowly back away.
Predator (c) Connor Long, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion (c) Adrianh M. Orozco, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Adrianh M. Orozco · cc-by
Close Relative "Mojave rattlesnake" by BLM Nevada is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick · cc-by
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