Color Morphs
Timber rattlesnakes in the Smoky Mountains typically display two distinct color morphs:
Yellow Morph: Features a base color ranging from yellow to tan, with distinct dark cross-bands or chevrons. Often displays a rust-colored or chestnut dorsal stripe running down the back.
Black Morph: Exhibits melanism, appearing very dark or almost solid black.
Quick Facts About Timber Rattlesnakes
- Lifespan: Up to 30 years in the wild. One of the longest-living snakes in North America.
- Late maturity: Females become sexually mature between 7 to 13 years old and reproduce every 2-3 years.
- Behavioral traits: Relatively docile nature. Prefer prolonged warning rattles over biting.
- Reproduction: Give birth to 4-10 fully-developed young after a 90 day gestation. Mother may stay with young for 7-10 days after birth.
- Hunting: Primary prey includes small to medium sized rodents such as mice, shrews, chipmunks and squirrels. Also, eat birds, amphibians, and lizards. Use infrared-sensing pit organs to detect warm-blooded prey.
Did You Know?
- There are 23 snake species in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Only 2 of them are venomous (Timber Rattlesnake and Northern Copperhead).
- Zero human fatalities from snake bite have been recorded in the history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Timber Rattlesnakes are great climbers and have been found in trees at heights over 80 feet.
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References:
References:
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service. “Reptiles-Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” U.S. National Park Service, 2022. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/reptiles.htm
2. Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. “Timber Rattlesnake.” Smithsonian Institution. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/timber-rattlesnake
3. Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. “Timber Rattlesnake. https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/vermont-critters/reptiles/timber-rattlesnake