Out of the 11 snake species in the state of New Hampshire, only one is venomous, and that is the Timber Rattlesnake. They are scarce there, though. There is only a single population known to exist in the state.
Pit Vipers
Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, and Cottonmouths belong to the venomous Crotalinae or pit viper family. Another name for these snakes is pit vipers. Pit vipers have heat-sensing pits between their nostrils and eyes. These pits are actually specialized organs that detect infrared radiation from prey animals. Pit organs enable pit vipers to strike their prey precisely, even in the dark. They are also able to detect body heat from up to 1 meter away.
These snakes also have a large triangular head. It is attached to a comparatively slender neck. Furthermore, they have elliptical pupils that are vertical slits. This is a defining characteristic because a nonvenomous snake generally has round pupils.
Pit vipers have hollow fangs connected to venom glands. They use their fangs to inject venom into their prey. This venom immobilizes the prey, making it easier for the snake to consume. They primarily consume small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and small birds. These snakes play an important role in maintaining balance in rodent populations.
Timber Rattlesnake
| Scientific Name: | Crotalus horridus |
| Description: | Adult Timber Rattlesnakes grow between 36 and 60 inches (.91 to 1.52m) long. Their bodies are yellowish-brown with a dark chevron pattern. They also have a rusty stripe down their backs. Their tails are dark brown or black. |
| Habitat: | Timber Rattlesnakes prefer wooded areas and hillsides with rocky outcroppings. |
| Conservation status: | They are endangered in New Hampshire. Only one known population exists in the state. |
Timber Rattler and Canebrake Rattlesnake are both common names for the Timber Rattlesnake. Generally, in higher-elevation habitats, they are called Timber Rattlesnakes. On the coastal plain, though, they’re called Canebrake Rattlesnakes.
The average Timber Rattlesnake grows between 36 to 60 inches (.91 to 1.52m) long. However, there have been reports of them growing up to 7 feet (2.13m) long. See
These snakes vary in color. Their general base coloration is a yellowish-brown to grey-brown, though. They have a dark brown to black chevron pattern on their back and sides against a lighter base color. Moreover, they have a rusty to reddish stripe down their backs. Their tails are dark brown or black. There are also melanistic timber rattlers. These are dark and sometimes almost entirely black. In the dark color morph of these snakes, the tail is also darker than the rest of the snake’s body
All of the Timber rattlesnakes known to live in New Hampshire are black.
The northern water snake and the eastern hognose snake are sometimes mistaken for Timber Rattlesnakes. The Eastern Milk Snake also sometimes looks like a rattlesnake. They even imitate the tail rattle.
Where Do Timber Rattlesnakes Live?
Timber Rattlesnakes range throughout the central and eastern United States. The western extent of their range is Minnesota in the North and Texas in the South.
Eastern Timber Rattlesnakes are declining in numbers mainly due to habitat loss. They are endangered in New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois.
The Timber Rattlesnake lives in various habitats. These include forested areas, swamps, farm fields, and river floodplains. These snakes are marvelous climbers and have been found in trees at heights of more than 80 feet. Source
There is only one known Timber Rattlesnake population left in New Hampshire. It is located in the southern part of the state. New Hampshire game officials are reluctant to disclose the exact location. This is because the snakes are an endangered species in the state. Bear Brook State Park lists the Timber Rattlesnake as a resident species.
Where Do Timber Rattlesnakes Live in New Hampshire?
Historically, Timber Rattlesnakes were scattered throughout southern New Hampshire. They were also in the White Mountains in the north-central part of the state. But today, New Hampshire has only one known Timber Rattler population. Consequently, the state has classified the timber rattlesnake as an endangered species.
Human population dynamics considerably affect Timber Rattlesnake viability in New Hampshire. This is also the case in all the New England states.
First of all, human development in their habitat has an adverse effect. These snakes do not deal with modifications to their environment very well. Humans don’t deal with rattlesnakes in their environment very well either. Rather than coexist peacefully, people tend to get rid of the snakes. Lastly, illegal rattlesnake collectors negatively impact the population.
Also see:
7 Wild Berries In New Hampshire – Krebs Creek
Wild Cats in New Hampshire – Krebs Creek
Ophidiomycosis
Biologists carefully monitor New Hampshire’s rare Timber rattlesnake population. In 2006, they first observed snakes with brown lesions on their necks and faces.
The state biologists collected biopsies to test some of the infected snakes. They determined that these lesions were caused by Ophidiomycosis or Snake Fungal Disease.
Snakes with severe infections started dying. In fact, by 2007, the population had dropped from 40 to 19 adult snakes. In other words, this disease reduced the population by over 50%.
Fortunately, as of 2021, the population had rebounded to over 50 adult snakes. This suggests that the surviving snakes develop some immunity to the infection. Source Source
Timber Rattlesnake Behavior
Wintertime Brumation
Snakes and other reptiles brumate in the winter. Brumation is a reptile’s version of hibernation. In New Hampshire, Timber Rattlesnakes spend over 7 months of the year in brumation. See
Timber Rattlesnakes make wintertime dens in sheltered spots. They den underneath rocks and logs, as well as in rock crevices. Individual rattlesnakes might brumate alone in some parts of their range. But in other areas, they congregate in dens with other snakes through the winter.
Den sites are usually placed on south-facing hillsides. This is because they get more warmth from the sun. They don’t always share their dens only with Timber Rattlers. Sometimes, they share their dens with other species of snakes. These might include Copperheads, Black Rat Snakes. These wintertime dens may hold up to 60 snakes.
Male and non-pregnant female Timber Rattlers leave their winter dens behind each spring. They range out up to 4 miles. They usually return to the same den each fall, though.
On the other hand, pregnant females remain close to their winter dens.
What Do Timber Rattlesnakes Eat?
Timber rattlers prey on small mammals such as mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, and bats. They also eat small birds, other reptiles, and amphibians.
The experts have proven that timber rattlesnakes help control Lyme disease. This is because as they consume rodents, they’re also consuming ticks. A timber rattler will consume 2,500 to 4,500 ticks per year, depending on the location. See
What Eats Timber Rattlesnakes?
There are several potential predators of Timber Rattlesnakes in New Hampshire. These include Eastern Milksnakes, Eastern Black Racers, birds of prey, skunks, and bobcats.
How Dangerous Are Timber Rattlesnakes?
Timber Rattlesnakes are among the most dangerous snakes in North America. This is due to their long fangs and high venom yield. 1% to 10% of the time, an untreated Timber Rattlesnake bite results in a fatality.
Fortunately, these snakes have a relatively mild disposition. They generally give ample warning before actually striking defensively. Also, 40% to 60% of the time, they produce dry bites. In other words, although their fangs penetrate the body, they do not inject any venom. Source
These snakes produce hemotoxic venom. Timber Rattlesnake bites sometimes cause serious complications. These include shock, seizures, coma, internal bleeding, and deep tissue damage. Source
Symptoms of Venomous Snake Bites
Some of the symptoms you may experience when a venomous snake bites you include:
- Discoloration in the area of the bite.
- Swelling in the area of the bite.
- Loss of muscle coordination.
- Tingling sensation in the area of the bite.
- Feeling nauseous.
- Having a faster heartbeat or rapid pulse.
What Should You Do if You Are Bitten?
If you or someone you are with has suffered a venomous snakebite, time is of the essence. Because the sooner a victim receives antivenom, the less chance the venom in their body has to cause harm. In other words, it is important to seek immediate medical treatment.
Do not attempt to kill the snake for identification purposes. This gives the snake a chance to bite you again. Also, consider that severed snakeheads can still bite and envenomate and often do. If you have a phone, take a photo of the snake. Otherwise, get started on your way to the nearest hospital.
First Aid for Snake Bite Victims
- Remain calm and limit your movements. Do not run. If you must hike back to a vehicle, do it calmly and deliberately. Put as little stress on your heart as possible.
- Keep the area of the snake bite below the heart level and never above the heart level. Keeping the bite below the heart level will reduce the venom’s flow. However, holding the bite above your heart level will increase the venom’s flow.
- Remove all constricting items such as bracelets, watches, or rings before swelling occurs.
- Remember that using a cold compress on a venomous snake bite is not advisable. The cold may cause the local blood vessels to constrict and spread the venom faster.
- You can wash the affected area like any other wound with soap and water.
- You may cover the bite area with a moist dressing to reduce the swelling.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible. Call the hospital to tell them a venomous snake has bitten you. So they can have antivenom ready to give you when you arrive.
- A person whom a venomous snake has bitten may go into shock. If this happens, lay them flat and cover them with a blanket.
Dressing for Snake Country
- High-top leather boots and long pants are both wise ideas.
- Also, wear loose-fitting denim. If there’s a gap before the snake’s fangs touch your skin, your chances of being envenomated are lower.
- In the absence of high-top leather boots, some people wear snake gaiters.
