California
Crotalis viridis  Adam Ballard | |
| Type of Animal: | Reptiles |
|---|---|
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Federal Status: | |
| State Status: | |
| Occurrence: | |
| Habitat: | Dunes,Mountains,Forest,Grassland |
| Description: | Western rattlesnakes are found in most areas in California. They do not occur in desert regions and in agricultural areas of the Central Valley. These snakes tend to be nocturnal, but they may be active whenever temperatures are mild to warm. They estivate during the hot weather and hibernate during the cold weather. During these times they seek shelter in rock crevices, under logs and bushes, or in abandoned mammal burrows. Adult snakes primarily feed on ground squirrels, but they also eat other rodents and birds when available. Young snakes tend to specialize in eating lizards and smaller mammals. The breeding season begins in March, soon after emergence from winter hibernation, and extends through May. The young are born live (not hatched from eggs) in the fall. Females may have up to 25 young in a litter, but most litter sizes range between three and 12 young each. Mammals, birds, and other snakes prey upon western rattlesnakes. Like all snakes in this family, western rattlesnakes are poisonous. Extreme caution should be used when visiting their territory. |
| Effort: | |
| References: | Behler et al. 1979. National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians. Stebbins 1985. Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition. Zeiner et al. (editors). 1988. California’s Wildlife, Volume I, Amphibians and Reptiles. |
| Other Sites: | |
| Field Office(s): | Bakersfield; Bishop; Mother Lode; Palm Springs; Redding; Ridgecrest; Ukiah |