A desert predator
This large pit viper has diamond-shaped markings on its back and a banded tail. Heat-sensing pits between the eye and nostril help it find warm-blooded prey.
The rattle
The rattle is made of hollow, interlocking segments of keratin that click against each other when the tail shakes very quickly. It works as a warning to large animals that might step on the snake. A new segment is added each time the snake sheds, but rattles also break, so segment count is not a reliable guide to age.
Living with rattlesnakes
Most bites happen when people try to handle or kill the snake. Giving a rattlesnake space and watching where you put your hands and feet is the safest approach, and the snakes help control rodents.
Listen
What it sounds like: A buzzing rattle from the tail.
To hear independent recordings, try Freesound. Check each recording’s licence before reusing it. See Media & Sources.
Further reading: How Animal Communication Works: Sounds, Signals and Meaning
Conservation status follows the IUCN Red List as we understand it at the time of writing. Assessments are revised regularly, so please check the IUCN Red List for the current listing.