The timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is a large, heavy-bodied venomous snake typically measuring 3–5 feet long. Its body is patterned with dark brown or black crossbands against a yellowish, tan, or gray background. A dark stripe runs through the eye, and its tail ends in a distinctive segmented rattle.
Diet: Feeds primarily on small mammals, including mice, rats, chipmunks, squirrels, and shrews. It also occasionally eats birds, frogs, and other small animals.
Range: Eastern United States, from southern New England south to northern Florida and west into parts of the Midwest, Great Plains, and eastern Texas.
Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests, rocky hillsides, forested slopes, and areas near streams. Rocky outcrops and crevices provide important shelter and winter denning sites.
Interesting Fact: Timber rattlesnakes give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Females may reproduce only once every two to four years, making them particularly vulnerable to population declines. Their rattles are made of interlocking keratin segments that produce a warning sound when vibrated rapidly. A new segment is generally added each time the snake sheds its skin, but the rattle can break, so its length doesn’t reliably indicate the snake’s age.
I created this illustration after finding a timber rattlesnake that had been intentionally killed. It was heartbreaking to see such an incredible animal killed simply for being a snake. I hope that by sharing the beauty, fascinating natural history, and ecological importance of this species, my art can help others see why rattlesnakes deserve our respect and protection.
Fear and misunderstanding are major threats to these animals, and education is one way we can help change that.
Product Details: This listing is for a print of my original work. Printed on high quality watercolor paper with archival ink. Watermark will not appear on your print. Each print is hand signed, giving it a unique touch.
Shipping details: Prints will be packaged in a protective cellophane sleeve with backing board, and shipped to you in a sturdy mailer. Orders are shipped First Class via USPS within 2 business days of initial order.
Year created: 2024
Copyright Nora Steele 2026
Images may not be reproduced, resold or used in any form without written consent. This listing is for print only, frame is not included.
The timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is a large, heavy-bodied venomous snake typically measuring 3–5 feet long. Its body is patterned with dark brown or black crossbands against a yellowish, tan, or gray background. A dark stripe runs through the eye, and its tail ends in a distinctive segmented rattle.
Diet: Feeds primarily on small mammals, including mice, rats, chipmunks, squirrels, and shrews. It also occasionally eats birds, frogs, and other small animals.
Range: Eastern United States, from southern New England south to northern Florida and west into parts of the Midwest, Great Plains, and eastern Texas.
Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests, rocky hillsides, forested slopes, and areas near streams. Rocky outcrops and crevices provide important shelter and winter denning sites.
Interesting Fact: Timber rattlesnakes give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Females may reproduce only once every two to four years, making them particularly vulnerable to population declines. Their rattles are made of interlocking keratin segments that produce a warning sound when vibrated rapidly. A new segment is generally added each time the snake sheds its skin, but the rattle can break, so its length doesn’t reliably indicate the snake’s age.
I created this illustration after finding a timber rattlesnake that had been intentionally killed. It was heartbreaking to see such an incredible animal killed simply for being a snake. I hope that by sharing the beauty, fascinating natural history, and ecological importance of this species, my art can help others see why rattlesnakes deserve our respect and protection.
Fear and misunderstanding are major threats to these animals, and education is one way we can help change that.
Product Details: This listing is for a print of my original work. Printed on high quality watercolor paper with archival ink. Watermark will not appear on your print. Each print is hand signed, giving it a unique touch.
Shipping details: Prints will be packaged in a protective cellophane sleeve with backing board, and shipped to you in a sturdy mailer. Orders are shipped First Class via USPS within 2 business days of initial order.
Year created: 2024
Copyright Nora Steele 2026
Images may not be reproduced, resold or used in any form without written consent. This listing is for print only, frame is not included.
