Rattlesnakes In Missouri

Missouri has a wealth of animal life, including 38 different species of snake. Of these numerous snake species, five are considered venomous and three are types of rattlesnake. The timber, eastern massasauga and pygmy rattlesnakes are all native to the state and are considered dangerous to humans. The timber rattlesnake is common in Missouri, while the other two species appear more rarely.

  1. Description

    • The timber rattlesnake is the largest of the three and can grow to 60 inches in length. It generally has a tan to yellowish-tan background coloration with dark brown patches along its back and sides. The massasauga is around half that size, growing to 30 inches in length. It tends to be light to dark gray in color with dense, darker patchy coloring. The pygmy rattlesnake is the smallest and grows to just 20 inches. It is a light grayish-brown color with small sparsely spaced dark blotches. All three species have thick body types and segmented rattles on their tails.

    Habitat and Range

    • In Missouri, the timber rattlesnake can be found statewide preferring rocky wooded hillsides, but can also be found in swampy areas. The massasauga is found in just a few isolated populations in the north of the state and tends to live in wetland areas such as marshes and wet prairies. The pygmy rattlesnake lives in the southern quarter of the state in similar habitats to the timber rattler.

    Diet

    • Like all rattlesnakes, Missouri's resident species are ambush predators. They lay in wait for prey to wander by, coiled and hidden under foliage. The snake strikes when the prey is close, biting it and injecting venom through its needle-like fangs. Specific diet depends mainly on size, with the timber rattler eating prey as large as rabbits, while the pygmy feeds on mice and other small animals. The venom of all three species can be deadly to humans if bites are left untreated.

    Life Cycle

    • The timber and massasauga rattlesnakes both mate in late summer, while the pygmy breeds during the winter months, storing sperm for fertilization in the following summer. All three species incubate their eggs internally, giving birth eventually to live young. The young will often stay near the mother for a few days after birth for protection, but can look after themselves if needed.