California Reptiles & Amphibians

California Rattlesnakes



Click on a picture for a larger view






Rattling Sounds



Patterned, most often with a rattle on the tail which the snake sometimes uses as a warning sound .
Do not use the rattle alone to identify this snake as the rattle may be missing or small and not seen.

Caution! These snakes are all venomous and potentially harmful.


Look for a picture that is similar to the snake you want to identify, clicking on it to enlarge it if necessary. Read the
brief descriptions of behavior and habitat, and if it fits your snake, click on the link to continue your search.



   
Western Rattlesnakes

The most commonly seen rattlesnake in California, found throughout the state, except the southern deserts.
Active day and night. Often seen while hiking in undisturbed areas, or on roads at night.



 
Sidewinders

Small rattlesnakes with unique sideways locomotion. Found in open sandy areas in the southern deserts.
Active at night and sometimes during the day.



Northern Mohave Rattlesnake

Large rattlesnake found in the Mojave Desert. Active at night, and sometimes
during the day. Large white bands, small black bands, around tail.




 
Speckled Rattlesnakes

Large rattlesnake, found mainly in rocky areas in the southern deserts and south coast.
Saddled pattern appears slightly faded. Color changes to match environment. Active at night and day.




Western Diamondback

Large rattlesnake, found in the southern deserts in the southeast corner of the state.
Black and white bands on tail of equal width. Active day and night.




Red Diamond Rattlesnake

Large rattlesnake, found in the Colorado desert and south coastal region. Active day and night.




 

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