The tiger rattlesnake, aka tiger rattler, is a species of venomous pit viper that hails from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The genus name Crotalus is Latin (hailing from the Greek krotalon) meaning “rattle”, “bell”, or “castanet” and their specific name tigris, (coming from the Latin name for ‘tiger’). These rattlers face the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of residential and commercial development, farming, and ranching. They are also persecuted for fear of bites and are often killed on site. However, they are abundant throughout their range and thus listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their population status is listed as stable.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Crotalus tigris
Weight: Up to 1 lb.
Length: Up to 36 inches
Lifespan: Up to 25 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These rattlers were first described by American herpetologist Robert Kennicott in 1859.
2.) They may have a large rattle, but they have the smallest head of any rattlesnake species.
3.) Tiger rattlesnakes tolerate a range of habitats such as rocky desert canyons, foothills, and bajadas (broad slope of alluvial material at the foot of an escarpment or mountain), in vegetation zones ranging from thornscrubs, ocotillo-mesquite-creosote bushes, saguaro-paloverdes, mesquite grasslands, chaparrals, to tropical deciduous forests (like those in southern Sonora), and the lower edge of oak woodlands.
4.) While mainly terrestrial (spend their lives on the ground), they can also climb into shrubs.
5.) On average, they explore a range of up to 108 feet per day.
But wait, there’s more on the tiger rattlesnake!
6.) During the summer they are nocturnal (active at night). In the fall they are more crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) and diurnal (active during the day).
7.) Mice, rats, gophers, moles, ground squirrels, and lizards are all preyed on.
Did you know…?
These rattlesnakes are the only ones with crossbands on the anterior portion of their bodies, with a series of 35 – 52 gray, olive, or brown bands across the dorsum (back).
8.) While not confirmed, it is believed that hawks, eagles, owls, coyotes, and larger snakes prey on these rattlesnakes.
9.) The females are ovoviviparous (bear live young).
10.) Females birth up to 5 snakes in late August.
But wait, there’s still more on the tiger rattlesnake!
11.) Their venom is a neurotoxin and a myotoxin that’s known to cause muscle necrosis (muscle death). Although production is low compared to other rattlesnakes, however, their venom is the 2nd most toxic of any rattlesnake in the Western Hemisphere.
12.) Despite their low venom yield, a bite by these rattlesnakes should be considered a life-threatening medical emergency. Untreated mortality rates are unknown but these snakes have a very high venom toxicity and their bites are capable of producing massive envenomation.
Now a Short Tiger Rattlesnake Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
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