Natural Wonder: Which subspecies of Western rattlesnake is this?

 - Idaho Statesman

Published: 09/05/08


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Watch your step. This animal's bite is definitely worse than its bark. Rattlesnakes are common in Idaho, but they are shy and they typically avoid humans. They use their tail to warn intruders. The tail makes an unmistakable rattling and buzzing sound. A rattlesnake's venomous bite causes extreme sickness and possibly death. People should use caution in snake counÚÛtry. Be careful where you walk and never put your hands anywhere you can't see, such as between rocks, in crevices, or under logs or bushes. Snakes are most active in early mornings and evenings when the temperature is cool, and they are frequently found near water sources.

Wildlife Photography Tip: This is an excellent time to use your telephoto lens. Read this informative lesson on rattlesnakes from Kelton Hatch of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and see if you can decide what kind of rattlesnake this is. There are three subspecies of the Western rattlesnake in Idaho; they differ mostly in color, pattern and where they live. The Idaho population of the prairie rattlesnake is found primarily in the central part of the state such as in Valley, Idaho and Lemhi counties. Prairie rattlesnakes can be distinguished from other subspecies by a wide dark stripe, bordered by light-colored stripes, angling from the back of the eye toward the jaw. This subspecies also has dark blotches with light-colored edges. The Great Basin rattlesnake is found in the southern portion of the state, has less distinct markings behind the eye than prairie rattlesnakes. The body blotches of a Great Basin rattlesnake are irregularly shaped with light-colored centers but not light edges. Overall, they are typically a buff-gray, yellowish gray or light brown but vary in color among individuals. The third of Idaho’s subspecies is the northern Pacific rattlesnake, which is found in areas of west-central Idaho such as the Salmon, Clearwater and Snake River drainages. These snakes are darker in color than the other subspecies and have body blotches that are larger and closer together than the Great Basin rattlesnake and generally lack the light outline found around the blotches of a prairie rattlesnake. Western rattlesnakes eat mostly small mammals but may also consume birds, lizards and amphibians. In some regions, juveniles prey mostly on lizards rather than on small mammals. In southwestern Idaho, adults prefer mice, wood rats, ground squirrels and rabbits.

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