Rattlesnakes

Lewis and Clark were familiar with rattlesnakes. In fact, Lewis used some rattlesnake rattles for medicine on the journey west.

There are about 30 different kinds, and various kinds live in different places. They are found in the Western Hemisphere all the way from Canada to Argentina.

The diamondback is one of the best known rattlesnakes in the United States. It can grow as long as seven feet.  The sidewinder is well-known in desert areas. It is only about two feet long.

Rattlesnakes eat birds and other small animals.  Their rattling sound (more like a buzz) is made by shaking hard, loose pieces of tail. They use the rattle to warn away enemies.  When they do strike and bite, the bite is poisonous. They may or may not give a warning rattle before they strike.