Snakes Snakes In Little River Canyon In Little River Canyon

National PreserveNational Preserve

Timber RattlesnakeTimber Rattlesnake CopperheadCopperhead

Cottonmouth Cottonmouth

Timber RattlesnakeTimber RattlesnakeAdults are an average length of 91-152 Adults are an average length of 91-152

centimeters. centimeters. Has a broad triangular head. Has a broad triangular head. The body color may be yellow, gray, dark The body color may be yellow, gray, dark

brown or black, with dark, V-shaped brown or black, with dark, V-shaped crossbands across the back. crossbands across the back.

A distinct rattle on the end of a darkly A distinct rattle on the end of a darkly colored tail produces a buzzing sound when colored tail produces a buzzing sound when vibrated. vibrated.

Timber Rattlesnake Timber Rattlesnake ContinuedContinued A Timber Rattlesnake is said to be a mild A Timber Rattlesnake is said to be a mild

mannered member of the Rattlesnake mannered member of the Rattlesnake family. Though they are less likely to jump family. Though they are less likely to jump into a fight. They can be very fierce when into a fight. They can be very fierce when cornered. cornered.

The Toxity of this Rattlesnake is not as The Toxity of this Rattlesnake is not as dangerous as the more volatile Eastern and dangerous as the more volatile Eastern and Western Diamondbacks but still dangerous. Western Diamondbacks but still dangerous.

The Timber Rattlesnakes numbers are The Timber Rattlesnakes numbers are dwindling dangerously low. Due to a loss of dwindling dangerously low. Due to a loss of habitat. They can be found as far North as habitat. They can be found as far North as New England and as far West as Texas.New England and as far West as Texas.

The CopperheadThe Copperhead Two of Five species of Copperheads are found Two of Five species of Copperheads are found

in Alabama. in Alabama. The Northern Copperhead and Southern The Northern Copperhead and Southern

Copperhead are both stout-bodied snakes. Copperhead are both stout-bodied snakes. The head is noticeably wider than the neck. The head is noticeably wider than the neck. Their head is a copper color hence the name Their head is a copper color hence the name

‘Copperhead’. ‘Copperhead’. Both Copperheads belong to a group of snakes Both Copperheads belong to a group of snakes

commonly known as “Pit Vipers.” They get this commonly known as “Pit Vipers.” They get this name because of a pit or hole located between name because of a pit or hole located between the eyes and nostril. These are heat seeking the eyes and nostril. These are heat seeking sensors to find warm-blooded prey.sensors to find warm-blooded prey.

The CopperheadThe CopperheadContinuedContinued Copperheads are found in greatest numbers in Copperheads are found in greatest numbers in

forested areas that have numerous rocky forested areas that have numerous rocky bluffs and ravines. bluffs and ravines.

Copperheads are predators near the top of Copperheads are predators near the top of their food chain. their food chain.

Their diet consists of small mammals (mice, Their diet consists of small mammals (mice, moles, shrews etc…)moles, shrews etc…)

Copperheads are active during the day when it Copperheads are active during the day when it is warm. But when It is hot they are more is warm. But when It is hot they are more active at night. active at night.

Mating takes place after hibernation. Mating takes place after hibernation. The average litter size is from 6-9 but could be The average litter size is from 6-9 but could be

as low as 2 or as high as 17.as low as 2 or as high as 17.

The CottonmouthThe CottonmouthTypical adult size is 30-48 inches. Typical adult size is 30-48 inches. Cottonmouths are large, aquatic, Cottonmouths are large, aquatic,

venomous snakes. venomous snakes. Heavy bodied. Heavy bodied. The young are more distinctly patterned The young are more distinctly patterned

than adults.than adults.They are common snakes found in They are common snakes found in

wetlands. wetlands. Many times non-venomous water snakes Many times non-venomous water snakes

are mistaken for Cottonmouths. are mistaken for Cottonmouths.

The CottonmouthThe CottonmouthContinuedContinuedCottonmouths get their name Cottonmouths get their name

from their habit of gaping their from their habit of gaping their mouth open exposing the white mouth open exposing the white lining of the mouth. This is their lining of the mouth. This is their way of keeping predators away. way of keeping predators away.

Cottonmouths like to stand their Cottonmouths like to stand their ground and are aggressive.ground and are aggressive.

THE ENDTHE ENDThat concludes this power That concludes this power

pointpointThank youThank you