Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are snakes that live in the Americas. They are best known for the rattle on the end of their tails. When they feel scared, they shake their tails to make a buzzing sound. This warns other animals to stay away.

The Rattle

The rattle is made of hard, dry pieces at the tip of the tail. Each time a rattlesnake sheds its skin, a new piece is added. The pieces knock together when the tail shakes. This makes the famous rattling sound.

A western diamondback rattlesnake ready to strike.
A western diamondback rattlesnake ready to strike. (Clinton & Charles Robertson from Del Rio, Texas & San Marcos, TX, USA / Wikimedia Commons)

Where They Live

Rattlesnakes like dry places like deserts and rocky hills. They also live in forests and fields. During cold weather, they sleep in rocky dens. They hunt mice, rats, and other small animals.

Fun Facts

  • There are more than 30 kinds of rattlesnakes.
  • Baby rattlesnakes are born with only a tiny bump that will grow into a rattle.
  • Rattlesnakes can sense heat to find their prey, even in the dark.

Did You Know?

A rattlesnake can shake its rattle about 60 times every second.