Rattlesnakes are a group of venomous snakes of the genera Crotalus and Sistrurus of the subfamily Crotalinae (the pit vipers). There are 36 known species of rattlesnakes all native to the Americas, ranging from southern Alberta and southern British Columbia in Canada to central Argentina.

Rattlesnakes are predators that live in a wide array of habitats, hunting small animals such as birds and rodents.


The threat of a Rattlesnake attack can be heard by the loud shaking of the titular noisemaker, and is located at the end of their tails, deterring many predators. Rattlesnake bites are the leading cause of snakebite injuries in North America. However, rattlesnakes rarely bite unless provoked or threatened; if treated promptly, the bites are seldom fatal.

What makes their rattle, rattle, and how does it work? Like a maraca, maybe? There would have to be something inside to make the sounds. The video below shows the dissection of a rattle snakes tail, so lets find out!