Where do rattlesnakes go during the winter season?

People who are familiar with hibernation might first think of how a bear goes to sleep for the winter time, however, reptiles are a bit different. Snake hibernation is known as  brumation and generally takes place December-March, depending on how early in late Fall that the temperature stays consistently low, and then how early in spring the air stays consistently warm. Snakes will occasionally wake up throughout the winter, especially if it’s warm and sunny. They will get something to drink and then go back into their kind of suspended state. Snakes are more likely to find something to drink rather than hunt for food during brumation to avoid exerting too much energy.

Rattlesnakes will usually search for places underground during the winter to stay warm with a group of snakes called a den. Reptiles and amphibians are exothermic, which means their body temperature is reflective of the environmental temperature. So those species in particular tend to form a hibernaculum, and they pile into one spot that will have a fairly steady temperature throughout the winter. Oftentimes it’s a lava tube or even some caves. A hidden setting that typically holds at about 55 degrees is ideal for brumation. Although not common in populated areas, an unused basement in a house or an outbuilding can serve the same purpose.

Reptiles that are in a state of brumation are going to be very slow to move, they’re not going to have a lot of energy to evade or jump out and bite. If you were to find brumating snakes, it’s not going to be a direct threat to you, but it’s certainly something to avoid.

While fatalities are rare thanks to modern medicine, rattlesnakes command respect for their potent venoms, defensive behaviors, and unique hunting capabilities.The most dangerous snakes in America when not brumating represent various species that earn their fearsome reputations through different combinations of venom toxicity, size, temperament, and frequency of human encounters.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. This heavyweight champion combines massive size with devastatingly potent venom! Reaching lengths of up to eight feet and weighing over 30 pounds, it's not just its impressive size that makes this snake lethal - it's also equipped with the longest fangs of any rattlesnake species in the world. When threatened, it can deliver massive amounts of tissue-destroying venom that, without treatment, has a fatality rate as high as 30%. While preferring to avoid human contact, these snakes are well-known for their defensive nature and will stand their ground if threatened, delivering a bite that can cause severe bleeding, intense pain, and potentially cardiac arrest within hours if left untreated.

Mojave Rattlesnake is the second most toxic venom In North America. This desert dweller's neurotoxic venom rivals that of cobra! Though smaller than many of its cousins at around four feet in length, this snake possesses venom that's considered the second most potent of all North American rattlesnakes. What makes it particularly dangerous is its venom's delayed effect - victims may initially underestimate the severity of the bite, leading to delayed treatment. The neurotoxic venom can cause vision problems, difficulty breathing, and muscle weakness, potentially leading to respiratory failure if left untreated.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is the most frequent biter. This aggressive rattler causes more bites than any other American snake! The Western Diamondback has earned its fearsome reputation through a combination of an irritable disposition and frequent human encounters.Growing up to seven feet in length, these snakes possess a complex venom containing multiple toxins that can cause severe bleeding, tissue damage, and organ failure. Unlike some other species that prefer to retreat, Western Diamondbacks often stand their ground when threatened, making them particularly dangerous to humans who accidentally encounter them.

Your best defense against any snake bite is always protective gear such as boots or snake gaiters.