Well, dearest readers and friends, it is that time once again – springtime. The cold temperatures are fading, seasonal waterfalls are roaring, and warmer temperatures are arriving each and every day. This is a time of renewed life, and for some of Indiana’s creepiest crawling critters, it’s time to come out of hibernation and greet the world once again. One such creature to keep your eyes peeled for is the Timber Rattlesnake, a venomous pit viper that makes its home in southern Indiana. This spring, be sure to look out for timber rattlesnakes in Indiana. They’re all bursting back to life, and you most certainly don’t want to accidentally encounter one.

These guys can make their homes just about anywhere. From lush, green forests to floodplains, hills, and more. And they just so happen to thrive in southern Indiana.
JB Banks/Flickr
Though some specimens of the Timber Rattlesnake have been found to reach up to seven feet in length, they most commonly stop growing at around two and a half to five feet long. They are large, heavy, and very easy to overlook thanks to their brilliantly camouflaged skins.
The Timber Rattlesnakes' range is across much of the east and east central United States. In fact, they've been found as far south as the eastern Texas coast and as far north as New York.
Nthnjustice/Wikimedia
Once upon a time, they could even be found in Maine and parts of southern Canada. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. Even here in Indiana, these rattlesnakes are considered endangered.
A Timber Rattlesnake's color ranges from grey to dusty brown, with a reddish or light brown stripe extending down the back.
Douglas Mills/Flickr
It has a dark coloration, either dark brown or black, on the tips of its tail, and black markings across its back, spanning the length of its body. It's venomous and looks quite fierce, but believe it or not, bites by venomous snakes in Indiana are pretty rare.

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Your best bet for running into one of these rattlesnakes is by accidentally stepping on it in a wooded or grassy area. This is a recipe for disaster if you're wearing thin pants or otherwise inadequate protection from bites within the snake's reach.
Peter Paplanus/Flickr
The Timber Rattlesnakes in Indiana usually prefer to sit perfectly still, either coiled up or stretched out until the danger they perceive passes on by. They are not outwardly aggressive, and they much prefer to be left alone.
Like any other rattlesnake, the Timber Rattlesnake sounds a warning "rattle" on its tail when it perceives a threat to its safety.
Nathan Rupert/Flickr
This sound is very distinctive and just about everyone from everywhere knows what it means. If you ever hear this sound, you'd better back up.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these little guys this spring. It's very easy to accidentally step on one, potentially injuring it and risking a nasty bite for yourself.
Peter Paplanus/Flickr

Have you ever encountered one of these Timber Rattlesnakes in Indiana? If so, please feel free to share your experience with us in the comments below. Also, remember to always keep your eyes peeled. And if you come across one, don’t approach it.

Indiana is home to many types of other wildlife. For examples of wildlife in Indiana, including places where some of these undomesticated animals live, be sure to take a look at the following article: 6 Wild Places To See Uncommon Animals In Indiana.

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rattlesnakes in indiana

Jennifer Young | April 09, 2023

Are there rattlesnakes in Indiana other than Timber Rattlesnakes?

If you've ever wondered whether or not there are any other types of rattlesnakes in Indiana besides Timber Rattlesnakes, wonder no more. There's another type and it's known as an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes can usually grow up to two feet long and have a thick body with a heart-shaped head. They're also typically gray or light brown in color. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes live in wet habitats. They're most active from April through late fall, and they hibernate during the cold months of the year. Unlike most other rattlesnakes, this particular type of rattlesnake doesn't have a normal-sounding rattle. Instead of a traditional rattle sound, an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake has a rattle that makes a buzzing sound. Sadly, this type of rattlesnake is endangered because people will kill it out of fear. Remember, just like Timber Rattlesnakes, an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake won't bother you as long as you leave it alone. In the rare chance you do get bitten by one of these rattlesnakes in Indiana, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Besides rattlesnakes, what other animals in Indiana you should stay away from?

As previously mentioned, whenever you see a rattlesnake in Indiana, you should stay away. It won't bother you unless it feels threatened. And if it does happen to bite you, you should have the bite looked at immediately by a medical professional. There are a few other animals in Indiana that you should stay away from, including the five listed below.

1. Black Widow Spider
2. Brown Recluse Spider
3. Copperhead Snake
4. Western Cottonmouth Snake
5. Kissing Bug

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