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 dangerous.


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. These rattlesnakes do
not have black and white rings around the tail. They may have dark and light rings, but not black and white.



 
Sidewinders

Small rattlesnakes with unique sideways locomotion. Found in open sandy areas in the southern deserts.
Active at night and sometimes during the day. A small horn-like projection is visible above each eye.



Northern Mohave Rattlesnake

Large rattlesnake found in the Mohave Desert. Active at night, and sometimes during the day.
This rattlsnake has black and white rings around the tail. The black bands are smaller than the white bands.
For tips on distinguishing this species from the similar Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, click on the link under the photo above.




 
Speckled Rattlesnakes

Large rattlesnake, found mainly in rocky areas in the southern deserts and south coast.
Saddled pattern on adults appears slightly faded, not distinctly outlined, unlike other rattlesnakes in its range.
Color changes to match the rocks in its habitat. Active at night and day.




Western Diamondback

Large rattlesnake, found in the southern deserts in the southeast corner of the state. This rattlesnake
has black and white rings around the tail. The rings are about equal in width. Active day and night.
For tips on distinguishing this species from the similar Northern Mohave Rattlesnake, click on the link under the photo above.




Red Diamond Rattlesnake

Large rattlesnake, found in the Colorado desert and south coastal region. Active day and night.
Color is various shades of reddish brown.





 

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