Western Rattlesnake - Sierra Club BC
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Western Rattlesnake

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Western Rattlesnake

Crotalus oreganus 

Appearance

The Western Rattlesnake is one of the largest snakes in British Columbia, with adults reaching up to 150 cm in length. These snakes are well camouflaged by the dark brown blotches along their olive-colored scales. Their most distinctive feature, their rattle, is located at the end of their tail and is made up of multiple segments that produce a buzzing sound. 

Range & Habitat

In B.C., Western Rattlesnakes are found in the south-central Okanagan. Their range extends down through the western United States into Baja California. These snakes are restricted to dry valleys where they rely on rocky dens. Unfortunately, these areas are often fragmented by land development projects such as highways, farms, and residential areas. 

reciprocal relationships

Western rattlesnakes have some amazing adaptations to their environment! They have heat-sensing organs underneath their nostrils that help to find warm-blooded prey in the dark. Their venom helps them catch food and also kickstarts the digestion process. And of course, their famous rattle warns others to stay away, helping them avoid danger without having to fight.  

The Western Rattlesnake is a deeply important member of their ecosystems. These beings are indicator species, which means that we can study their populations to determine the health of the overall ecosystem. They are ectotherms and are especially sensitive to climate change, and an increase in hotter seasons can extend their hunting seasons.  

However, these snakes are threatened due to habitat degradation. Their role as mid-level predators helps keep rodent populations in check, preventing overgrazing and supporting plant health. At the same time, rattlesnakes serve as prey for larger animals like hawks, coyotes, and badgers, making them a vital link in the food chain. Without these important beings, we may see overgrazing from rodent species

status

COSEWIC: Threatened 
CDC: Blue 

more information

If you belong to a First Nation with a story or piece of information not represented here and you would like to share more about this species, please email us at education@sierraclub.bc.ca

photo credit

Jared Hobbs

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