How do you find a rattlesnake den?

Rattlesnake Den Locations

As snakes are not capable of digging holes, it is common for rattlesnakes to make dens out of vacant rodent burrows. Snakes typically seek out locations on high hillsides with plenty of sun exposure. Rattlesnakes can spend the winter under logs and piles of wood or rock as well.

How far will rattlesnakes travel from their den?

Those snakes travel up to five miles from the den! In the last decade or so some exciting research has emerged on the social lives of rattlesnakes and their use of winter dens. For many years, scientists assumed that snakes were basically solitary animals and interacted primarily for mating.

Do rattlesnakes stay in the same area?

Rattlesnakes often return to the same dens; some come back every year, while others stay only until food sources start to slack off before looking for a new den in a different area. More than one snake might use the same den; they might not coil up together to sleep, but just share the space.

Do rattlesnakes return to their den?

Western Rattlesnakes Den Together.

Snakes will return to the same den year after year, and they even coil up with other species – it is not uncommon to see a non-venomous western racer snake emerge in the spring alongside the rattlers.

Where do rattlesnakes hide during the day?

During the heat of the day, rattlesnakes hide themselves underground in burrows or under rocks. In the fall they congregate in rock slides or crevices for their winter hibernation in dens that may shelter hundreds of individuals of several different species.

The Backyard Was Almost a Rattlesnake Den

How do you know if a rattlesnake is in your yard?

What month are rattlesnakes most active?

Rattlesnakes usually start moving away from their hibernation dens around April or May (usually May), then back again in September and October (usually September). They are most likely to be encountered on the trail during this time frame.

How big is a rattlesnake's territory?

In lowland and coastal California migration is not expected. Home Range: Fitch and Glading (1947) estimated an average home range size for the western rattlesnake in the Sierra foothills to be about 1.2 ha (3 ac). Most individuals move over an area of less than 3 m (10 ft) during a day.

How do you get rid of a den of rattlesnakes?

Clear your yard of clutter, debris, and food sources. Fill any open cracks, crevices, or holes in the home's exterior. Set a trap or administer snake repellent. Contact a wildlife management service for humane removal.

What time of day do rattlesnakes move?

While they can be out any time, rattlesnakes are most active in the morning and from dusk into the night. They hunt mice and rodents in darkness because they can sense body heat with special organs on their face.

How do you know if you have a snake den?

What animals keep rattlesnakes away?

Use Natural Predators

Foxes and raccoons are common predators of snakes. Guinea hens, turkeys, pigs, and cats will also help keep snakes away. If foxes are indigenous to your area, fox urine is a very good natural repellent for snakes when spread around your property.

What attracts rattlesnakes to yard?

Areas with a lot of wood, mulch, or piles of leaves attract small mammals like rodents that are snakes' prey. These creatures are likely attracting the rattlesnakes to your yard.

Where do rattlesnakes live the most?

Rattlesnakes are found in almost every part of the continental United States, but they're especially common in the Southwest. Mexico, Central America, and South America are also homes to rattlesnakes.

Where do rattlesnakes hide in houses?

Whether searching for prey or looking for an escape from the heat, a rattlesnake will hunt or den in any quiet, shady spot. This includes areas under decks and porches as well as basements and crawl spaces. Properties with rodent infestations are far more likely to have rattlesnakes under the house.

How high off the ground can a rattlesnake strike?

Remember, rattlesnakes can strike at something about two- thirds their total body length away, so if the snake is thee feet long, the snake can “strike” when prey is two feet away. The teacher will tell the students length of the rattlesnake for this game so they can determine their “striking distance”.

What smells keep rattlesnakes away?

What scents do snakes dislike? There are many scents snakes don't like including smoke, cinnamon, cloves, onions, garlic, and lime. You can use oils or sprays containing these fragrances or grow plants featuring these scents.

How deep do rattlesnakes burrow?

Tiger rattlesnake dens are in rocky outcrops, so they go into the cracks and crevices of rocks – about 2 to 4 feet down – and you don't see them again until spring. The Western diamondback typically dens on rocky slopes or in small caves that form on the sides of washes.

What smell do rattlesnakes put off?

Snakes don't really have an odor and don't really make sounds so it would be impossible to smell them or hear them. There is a myth out there that snakes smell like cucumbers but unfortunately they don't smell that good,” Sollenberger said.

Which state has the most rattlesnakes?

What eats rattlesnakes?

Here comes trouble! Rattlesnakes have predators, too. Coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, roadrunners, hawks, owls, and king snakes eat small rattlesnakes.

What should I do if a rattlesnake is in my yard?

What temperature kills rattlesnakes?

If a rattlesnake doesn't have a good place to hide when it is this hot, it's in big trouble. A rattlesnake will die when its body temperature gets too far above 110F (Klauber, pg 418-420).

When should I hike to avoid rattlesnakes?

In California, northern Pacific rattlesnakes are usually active in late spring through early fall. They're most commonly spotted in the morning or evening, especially if the weather is warmer. Because they are ectothermic (cold-blooded), if the weather is warmer, they prefer to remain under rocks, logs and tree stumps.

How high can a rattlesnake jump?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rattlesnakes can accurately strike at up to one-third their body length. The US Food and Drug Administration suggests that they can strike up to half their body length CDC.