California Reptiles & Amphibians

Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) in California



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Click to hear rattling

This dangerously venomous snake occurs throughout California, excluding the southern deserts. It lives in a wide variety of
habitats - mountains, forests, chaparral, sagebrush, grasslands, woodlands - and and often occurs in close proximity to
humans. It can be active day or night.

Check the range map below to determine which subspecies occurs in your area.


   
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake                         Great Basin Rattlesnake                           Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus helleri                               Crotalus oreganus lutosus                       Crotalus oreganus oreganus





 

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