How dangerous is western pygmy rattlesnake?

Are pigmy rattlesnakes poisonous?

The pigmy rattlesnake is considered a subspecies of pitviper. Like all pitvipers, pigmy rattlesnakes produce a weak venom. The “pit” in the name pitviper refers to a specialized organ in the snake’s head that can detect the heat generated from other living animals.

Are there pygmy rattlesnakes in Tennessee?

Status in Tennessee: Western Pygmy Rattlesnake is listed as Threatened by TWRA, and considered rare to very rare and imperiled by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The tiny rattle sounds like the faint buzz of an insect and can usually be heard no farther than 3 feet. Pygmy Rattlesnakes are good swimmers.

Why are dusky pygmy rattlesnakes endangered?

The dusky pygmy rattler is one of the most abundant venomous snakes in Florida. But in some areas, these snakes are struggling to survive. They are threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, and urbanization. Sometimes they are just killed out of fear.

What kind of snake is a pygmy rattlesnake?

Sistrurus miliarius, commonly called the pygmy rattlesnake, is a species of venomous snake in the subfamily Crotalinae (pit vipers) of the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to the Southeastern United States.

Are pygmy rattlesnakes poisonous?

Pygmy rattlesnakes use their tail more as a lure to attract prey than as a scare tactic. The venom is hemotoxic – although bites usually are not life threatening, they are very painful and can result in the loss of a digit (or similar areas) if the wound is not properly cared for.

What is the scientific name for a pigmy rattlesnake?

Biology: The pigmy rattlesnake (sistrurus miliarius) is a venomous snake that is native to the southeastern continental United States. Pigmy rattlesnakes also go under the names spottled rattler, spotted rattlesnake, pigmy ground rattlesnake, ground rattler, grey rattlesnake, bastard rattlesnake,…

What kind of snake is similar to a pygmy rattlesnake?

As such, these non-venomous snakes are commonly confused with pygmy rattlesnakes. However, juvenile black racers are pencil thin, have tiny heads with large eyes and round pupils, and lack rattles on their tails. North American Racer. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith. Pygmy Rattlesnake. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.

Is a pigmy rattlesnake a carnivore?

Diet: The pigmy rattlesnake is a carnivore, like all other snakes. This means that the pigmy rattlesnake eats meat and does not eat plants. It uses its venom to subdue prey.

Are there rattlesnakes in Tennessee?

The Pygmy Rattlesnake (also Pigmy) is the smallest, and one of the least known, venomous snakes in Tennessee. One subspecies, Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (S. m. streckeri), occurs along the western Highland Rim from Stewart County to the southern border.

Is the pygmy rattlesnake a protected species?

The pigmy rattlesnake is included in the list of protected snake species by North Carolina and Tennessee law. The patterns on the pygmy are very unique looking and it should be relatively easy to identify based on this and it’s small size.

Are there snakes in Tennessee at night?

Most species of snake in Tennessee are most active during the night. They use the darkness of the night to help them hide from predators. Snakes depend more on senses such as smell and touch to find their prey, rather than sight which requires daylight. You will see fewer snakes in the wild during the winter.

How many poisonous snakes are in Tennessee?

Tennessee has 32 species of snakes, but just 4 are venomous. These include the cottonmouth, pygmy rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, and copperhead snake. The most common nonvenomous snakes are water snakes, garter snakes, and ringneck snakes.

Are pygmy rattlesnakes endangered?

Pygmy rattlesnakes are not endangered overall but some populations in some states are on the verge of being extirpated because of habitat loss and wanton killing by humans.

Why do pygmy rattlesnakes have no rattles?

Forty percent of all pygmy rattlesnakes lack rattles because the rattles have broken off. Pygmy rattlesnakes are heterothermic, meaning their body temperatures vary with the environment. They are also ectothermic and depend on direct sunlight to regulate their body temperatures.

Where do pygmy rattle snakes live?

Ge­o­graphic Range. Pygmy rat­tlesnakes, Sistru­rus mil­iar­ius, are na­tive to the United States and are most often found in the south­east­ern re­gion of the coun­try. Their range ex­pands from the Florida Keys to as far north as Mis­souri, south­ern Ken­tucky, and south­ern North Car­olina.

What do pygmy rattlesnakes eat?

Pygmy Rattlesnakes feed on a wide range of small prey including centipedes and other arthropods, frogs, snakes, lizards, and small mammals. These snakes may actively pursue prey by following their scent trails, but more typically these snakes sit and wait to ambush prey.

How big do dusky pygmy rattlesnakes get?

Most adult Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnakes are about 12-24 inches (30-61 cm) in total length. This is a very small snake, but it is thick for its size. The body color varies from light to dark gray, and a lengthwise row of black or charcoal blotches disrupts a reddish-brown stripe running down the middle of the back.

What is a pygmy rattlesnake called?

Pygmy Rattlesnake information and pictures. (Sistrurus Miliarius) from Vanishing Species Wildlife Pigmy rattlesnakes, as their name suggests, are miniature rattlesnakes. Sometimes called “groundrattlers,” these snakes are so well camouflaged that they are rarely seen. Adult snakes are usually only 18 inches long or smaller.

Are pygmy rattlesnakes aggressive?

However, these snakes are not aggressive, and striking is only used in defense. Pygmy Rattlesnakes feed on a wide range of small prey including centipedes and other arthropods, frogs, snakes, lizards, and small mammals.

What happens when a pygmy rattlesnake bites?

The venom is hemotoxic – although bites usually are not life threatening, they are very painful and can result in the loss of a digit (or similar areas) if the wound is not properly cared for. Like many other pit vipers, pygmy rattlesnakes release their prey after striking, and then scent-track the prey after it dies.

How many pigmy rattlesnakes are there in Georgia?

There are three subspecies of pigmy rattlesnakes, of which two occur in Georgia ( Sistrurus miliarius miliarius – the Carolina pigmy rattler and Sistrurus miliarius barbouri – the dusky pigmy rattler).

What is the difference between a Carolina pigmy and a dusky pigmy rattlesnake?

Carolina pigmy rattlesnake ( Sistrurus miliarius miliarius) is pale gray to reddish above with prominent markings, one or two rows of spots on sides, usually with 23 scale rows. Dusky pigmy rattlesnake ( S. m. barbouri) is dark gray above with heavy black stippling obscuring pattern, with 23-25 scale rows.