Juvenile and Adult

• Vertical pupils
• Loreal pit on each side of head between eye and nostril
• Rattle on end of tail (note: may be broken or missing); newborn rattlesnakes do not have a rattle, rather they are born with a single segment called a "button"
• Broad triangular head and slender neck
• Ridge lengthwise on each scale (keeled scales)
• Faded brown blotches run length of the back; smaller spots along sides of body; belly is yellowish
• Background colour: tan to brown
• Rattle produces a buzzing sound, when present and shaken

Total length: up to 140 cm

Range

• Found in drier areas of Alberta's grassland regions, usually in proximity to a river valley or coulee