Rattlesnake Q&A

Can rattlesnakes swim?
Yes! Although rattlesnakes are not typically aquatic, they are known to be good swimmers and can move efficiently through water. They might swim to escape from predators or hunt for prey, and can be found in rivers, swamps, lakes and even backyard swimming pools!  There have been documented cases of people being bitten by rattlesnakes while swimming, but those cases are rare. While rattlesnakes can bite while swimming, it's not their typical behavior, and they are less likely to attack in water than on land.

Are rattlesnakes poisonous or venomous?
The term “poisonous snake”  is commonly used but  is not technically correct—strictly speaking, most dangerous snakes are venomous. According to biologists, the term venomous is applied to organisms that bite (or sting) to inject their toxins, whereas the term poisonous applies to organisms that unload toxins when you eat them. This means that very few snakes are truly poisonous; the vast majority of snake toxins are transferred by bite.

How do rattlesnakes have babies?
Unlike many other snakes that lay eggs, rattlesnakes are ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs are retained within the mother's body until they hatch, and the young are born fully developed. The female rattlesnake carries the fertilized eggs inside her body for a gestation period of about six to seven months.  The eggs hatch inside the mother, and she gives birth to live young, typically in late summer or early fall. Litters typically consist of between 5 and 20 young, but the exact number can vary by species. After giving birth, female rattlesnakes typically provide some care to their young, often staying near them for a few weeks until the newborns shed their skin for the first time.

Are baby rattlesnakes just as dangerous as adult rattlesnakes?
Newborn rattlesnakes, also known as neonates, are fully equipped with venomous fangs from birth, enabling them to hunt small prey effectively. Baby rattlesnakes are born with a button on the end of their tail, which will develop into the rattle as they grow and shed their skin. Baby rattlesnakes have no rattles until they first shed their skin. Despite their impish size, baby snakes have enough venom to be very dangerous if they bite a human. Dry bites can occur when an adult rattlesnake is startled and bites out of instinct rather than hunger or as a defense against a threat. However, know that baby rattlesnakes can be more dangerous as they don’t have as much control over their venom.

Where do rattlesnakes go in winter?
In the United States, snake season is typically mid-March to mid-November. During the colder months of the year, pit vipers experience a form of hibernation called brumation. Rattlesnakes will usually search for underground dens during the winter to stay warm with a group of snakes. Rattlers tend to form a hibernaculum, and pile into one spot that will have a fairly steady temperature throughout the winter. Oftentimes it’s a lava tube or cave. A hidden setting that typically holds at about 55 degrees is ideal for brumation. Reptiles and amphibians are exothermic, which means their body temperature is reflective of the environmental temperature. In populated areas, an unused basement in a house or an outbuilding can serve the same purpose.

Is there anything good about rattlesnakes?
Rattlesnakes are natural predators of rodents, which can carry diseases and damage crops.. By controlling rodent populations, rattlesnakes help maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Some of their venom even has medicinal potential for humans. Research into rattlesnake venom has led to the development of drugs for various conditions including cancer, pain, and heart problems. Other components of rattlesnake venom are being studied for their potential to treat a range of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s.


When working or playing in snake country, take an easy proactive step to help keep yourself safe— wear snake gaiters that cover your lower legs. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or get to the nearest hospital for anti-venom treatment. Don’t use a tourniquet or apply ice. Don’t cut the bite or try to remove the venom. Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol. Don’t take pain-relieving medicine, because doing so can increase your risk of bleeding. While survival from a rattlesnake bite without antivenom is possible, it's a serious medical emergency that can lead to severe complications and death if left untreated. Don’t take a chance! Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for the best chance of recovery.