Overview
Get to Know the Timber Rattlesnakes!
The Maryland Zoo houses several timber rattlesnakes of varying sizes and colorations. Guests may notice that one of the rattlesnakes is almost entirely black, standing out compared to the tan and brown others. This black snake is a “black phase” and the others are “yellow phase,” the two common color types of timber rattlesnakes. Black phase timber rattlesnakes are typical among their population in the New England region. The darker coloration absorbs heat better, allowing them to thrive in climates that are significantly colder than where their more southern counterparts live.
Who’s Who
Zookeepers can easily tell apart the timber rattlesnakes by their unique colors and very distinct sizes. The keepers will carefully move around each rattlesnake with a special tool to inspect them, weigh them and feed them regularly. All zookeepers who care for the rattlesnakes undergo rigorous training to ensure safe and considerate practices for both themselves and the snakes.
Where to Find Us
The timber rattlesnakes in the Cave at the Maryland Wilderness are often quick to spot, and use the full height of habitat to their advantage. Some of the rattlesnakes may be tucked against logs on the lower level of the habitat, while others may be coiled up high along the habitat wall. This high spot is the warmest zone in the habitat, averaging around 90 degrees fahrenheit, which is an ideal basking temperature for snakes looking to build up warmth.
Special Care
Are you surprised to find that none of the snakes are rattling? Timber rattlesnakes use their rattle as a warning to approaching animals to keep a distance, only using bites as a last resort if the rattling fails. The rattlesnakes understand that guests approaching their habitat are no cause for concern, and maintain a calm and comfortable demeanor as guests come up to or walk by the glass.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
This status means that the population of timber rattlesnakes living in their native habitat is doing well overall. However, Maryland lists timber rattlesnakes as Vulnerable on a state level, meaning their declining population numbers in the state put them at a risk of extinction within Maryland.
How you can help
Timber rattlesnakes play an important role in the ecosystems they are native to. They keep populations of small animals under control, which keeps local food webs stable. Respect their role in the ecosystem and keep them safe– they would much rather never be involved with humans or other large animals! If a rattlesnake must be moved, reach out to a professional who can safely relocate them to another healthy habitat.
All animals thrive when their habitats are in excellent condition. When you respect and care for local habitats, you’re helping these animals thrive. Keep habitats clean of trash and chemicals, stick to designated nature paths, and encourage the growth of native plants on land in your care.
How the Zoo is helping
Many of the animals in the Maryland Zoo’s care that are native to Maryland are specifically native to Druid Hill Park, the park where the Zoo is located (timber rattlesnakes, specifically, are actually only found in the most western regions of Maryland). The Maryland Zoo takes great care to ensure that zoo grounds benefit the wellbeing of all native animals found living within it. The Zoo prioritizes native plants, designs construction with wildlife safety in mind, and routinely surveys the grounds to check on the status of local populations.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Viperidae
- Genus: Crotalus
- Species: C. horridus