A small but feisty venomous snake native to the southeastern United States, found in states from North Carolina to Florida, and westward to parts of Texas and Oklahoma. Despite its small size, this rattlesnake has a big personality — known for its distinctive look, buzzing rattle, and surprisingly bold attitude.

Pygmy rattlesnakes are among the smallest rattlesnakes in North America. They have a stocky build, a blunt tail with a tiny rattle, and a wide, triangular head with vertical pupils. Their body is usually gray or reddish-brown, marked with a row of dark blotches along the back and smaller spots along the sides. Some individuals even have an orange or rust-colored stripe running down the spine, making them especially eye-catching.

One of the most famous features of the pygmy rattlesnake is its tiny rattle, which is often so small that it makes only a soft buzzing sound, barely audible unless you’re very close. Because of this, people sometimes stumble across them by accident, unaware of the warning. That said, these snakes are usually not aggressive, and most bites happen when someone accidentally steps on or picks one up. Though they are venomous, their venom is typically not fatal to humans but can cause pain, swelling, and tissue damage, so they should always be treated with respect.

Pygmy rattlesnakes are ambush predators, meaning they often stay still and wait for prey to come close. They feed on small mammals, lizards, frogs, and insects, using their heat-sensing pits to detect warm-blooded animals even in the dark. Some individuals will even wiggle their tail tip (despite the small rattle) to mimic insects and lure curious prey—a behavior known as caudal luring.

Distribution

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United States

2007