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Timber Rattlesnake Facts: Habitat, Diet, and Range Verified

“TIMBER RATTLESNAKE Range: From southern New Hampshire down the Appalachian Mountains to northern Florida and westward to Texas and Wisconsin. Mississippi's got 'em in the hardwood bottoms and hill country, but they ain't everywhere. More common in the bluffs and the rough timber than in the flatlands. Habitat: Rocky hillsides, hardwood timber, creek bluffs, steep wooded ridges, and thick undergrowth. They like rough ground where they can lay up and wait for somethin' to walk by. Diet: Mice, rats, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, small birds. They're sit-and-wait predators. Average Size: 3 to 4 feet is average. Thick-bodied. Season: They're most active spring through fall. You'll encounter them in the field durin' any warm-weather huntin' or trappin'. Method: You don't hunt them so much as you deal with them. Watch where you step, listen for the rattle, and give them room when you can. When you can't, handle it and move on.”
Generally correct
Confidence: High Checked on June 17, 2026

Summary

The timber rattlesnake’s range indeed spans from southern New Hampshire through the Appalachians to northern Florida and westward to Texas and Wisconsin. Its preferred habitats include rocky hillsides, hardwood forests, creek bluffs, and dense undergrowth, and it feeds on small mammals and occasionally birds. Adults typically measure 3–4 feet, are most active from spring through fall, and exhibit the described seasonal activity patterns.

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Sources 60 searched

dec.ny.gov
  • Timber Rattlesnake - NYSDEC

    Such instances are likely a result ... of the timber rattlesnake extends from southern New Hampshire south through the Appalachian Mountains to northern Florida and west to southeastern Texas and southeastern Nebraska and Wisconsin....

mass.gov
  • Learn about timber rattlesnakes - Snakes of Massachusetts

    To help with conservation efforts, ... and wildlife conservation for future generations. Timber rattlesnakes range throughout the eastern United States and as far west as Texas and Wisconsin....

  • Timber Rattlesnake | Mass.gov

    They are extremely rare, and (like ... large, heavy-bodied snakes in the viper family (Viperidae). Adults typically range from 90–150 cm (36 to 60 in) long, and neonates or newborns are 20–40 cm (8 to 16 in) long....

wildlife.nh.gov
  • Timber Rattlesnake | State of New Hampshire Fish and Game

    NH Conservation Status: State Endangered; Wildlife Action Plan Species in Greatest Need of Conservation State Rank Status: Critically imperiled (S1) Distribution: Historically ranged from Massachusetts border up to the White Mountains.

tpwd.texas.gov
  • Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

    Young may remain near their mother ... rattlesnakes live up to ten years. Although diurnal (active during the day) during spring and fall, timber rattlesnakes become nocturnal (active at night) during the oppressive heat of the summer....

portal.ct.gov
  • Timber Rattlesnake Fact Sheet

    The timber rattlesnake feeds primarily on mice, other small mammals (voles, shrews, chipmunks, squirrels), and occasionally · birds. Despite the venom, some other snake species, like the black racer, prey on rattlesnakes. ... Connecticut’s rattlesnakes are active mid-April through October.

  • Timber Rattlesnake

    This heavy-bodied snake can grow to lengths between 36 and 54 inches (average 40 inches). Both sexes are similar, although males have longer tails (not rattles). Timber rattlesnakes that occur in Connecticut usually have black or brown crossbands ...

fs.usda.gov
  • Crotalus horridus: INTRODUCTORY

    The following indices were included in the model: early successional forested habitat used for basking and foraging; woody debris used for cover and foraging; proportion of woody debris and foraging habitat using a moving window with a 2,789-foot (850 m) radius; value based on proximity of habitat features to den sites; and reduction of the suitability value of habitat near roads [63]. Recommended size of protected areas: Protection of timber rattlesnake populations requires protection of the den site and a large surrounding area used during the active season (see Home range and Seasonal movem

tn.gov

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