Imagine youโre taking a nice, relaxing dip in a cool lake on a hot day. You look over, and thereโs a rattlesnake swimming towards you. What do you do? And why is there a snake in the water, rattlesnakes canโt swim, can they?
Thatโs the question weโre here to answer, along with a few others. If you live in North America, particularly in the desert southwest regions of the United States and Mexico, then youโre probably familiar with rattlesnakes. There are 33 known species of rattlesnake, and they all have rattles. Some are deadlier than others, but, fortunately for us, none of them seek out humans as meals. Thatโs not to say that rattlesnakes arenโt dangerous, they are, and they should be treated with respect if encountered.
Like many species of wild animal, rattlesnakes are capable of adapting to many different environments, but does that include lakes, rivers, or oceans? Here, weโll learn more about rattlesnakes and where they live, then take a look at whether or not they sink, or swim. Then, weโll take a deep dive and find out if rattlesnakes can bite while swimming, and whether or not they can swim in the ocean. After that, weโll talk a little more about what you should do if you encounter a rattlesnake, and why theyโre important to the natural ecosystems of the planet.
What is a Rattlesnake?

ยฉJoe McDonald/Shutterstock.com
Rattlesnakes are a type of New World pit viper. They range in size from just two feet long to over eight feet long. Their typical prey includes mice, rats, prairie dogs, gophers, birds, rabbits, lizards, and even other snakes. Theyโre most active in the spring, summer, and fall months. Most species brumate throughout the winter in dens that may contain hundreds of other snakes. Theyโre recognizable by the rattles on the ends of their tails, their triangular heads, and the enormous pair of retractable fangs at the front of their mouth.
Where Do Rattlesnakes Live?
Rattlesnakes might be associated with the desert, but theyโre actually found throughout North America, Central America, and the northern half of South America. Theyโre capable of surviving in deserts, grasslands, shrublands, forests, and even swamps. Rattlesnakes donโt do well in intense heat, or intense cold, so they arenโt found in alpine regions like mountains. This surprising range means that not only do rattlesnakes live all over, they also come into contact with water frequently.
Can Rattlesnakes Swim?

ยฉClint Lockwood/Shutterstock.com
It may seem strange, but rattlesnakes can, and do, swim. In fact, theyโre good swimmers. Unlike anacondas, they donโt spend their lives in the water, but theyโre more than capable of crossing a stream, or even a lake, to get to where theyโre going.ย
Because rattlesnakes are cold blooded, theyโre not likely to swim in high, alpine lakes unless something forces them to take the plunge. Rattlesnakes swim to find food, pursue mates, or find a new place to live. They donโt swim to hunt, so fish donโt have to worry.ย
Can Rattlesnakes Bite While Swimming?
Rattlesnakes are pit vipers, they rely on their envemonating bite to immobilize and kill prey. Because theyโre so highly specialized to bite, they can only bite from one specific position, the coil. Rattlesnakes that are stretched out long, like a ruler, canโt effectively bite. When they swim, they have to stretch out like this, and use all of their muscles to stay afloat. So, while rattlesnakes are capable of swimming, theyโre not able to bite at the same time.
With that being said, itโs best not to approach any snake you see in the water. Just because theyโre not in the best position to bite doesnโt mean they wonโt act to defend themselves if threatened. Do not attempt to handle, catch, touch, or pick up a waterborne rattlesnake.
Do All Rattlesnakes Swim?
Not only can all rattlesnakes swim, all snakes in general are capable of swimming. Even those that live in the driest deserts could swim if they needed to. Snake bodies are particularly well adapted for propelling themselves through the water. So, no matter what species of rattlesnake youโre looking at, remember that it can swim through the water just as easily as it can move over the land.
Can Rattlesnakes Swim in the Ocean?
Rattlesnakes have no problem swimming in saltwater. They can swim equally well in freshwater as well as the ocean. In fact, rattlesnakes often swim across salty waters in places like Florida in order to get from land mass to land mass. They may be good swimmers, but that doesnโt mean that rattlesnakes cross oceans; they generally swim only short distances, and only when necessary.
What to Do if You Encounter a Rattlesnake in the Water

ยฉJeff W. Jarrett/Shutterstock.com
Letโs say youโre swimming in a lake, or even in shallow coastal waters, and you see a rattlesnake swimming by. What do you do?ย
The answer depends on which way the snake is going. If itโs coming towards you, get out of its way. Remember, the snake isnโt hunting you, itโs just trying to get from point A to point B. Donโt try to touch it or interfere with it, even a swimming snake can still bite if it gets desperate. As long as youโre a safe distance away, sit back and relax, and enjoy the privilege of seeing something so special and rare.
Rattlesnakes and the Environment
Whether you see a rattlesnake swimming or slithering along the ground, itโs important to remember that itโs a dangerous wild animal, and should be treated with caution and respect. Unless theyโre coming into your yard, or posing a direct threat to you, your children, or your pet, rattlesnakes should be left alone. Theyโre important parts of the ecosystem; rattlesnakes are responsible for keeping local rodent populations culled. Without them, small mammals like mice and rabbits would quickly overpopulate, eat everything in sight, then starve.
Discover the "Monster" Snake 5X Bigger than an Anaconda
Every day A-Z Animals sends out some of the most incredible facts in the world from our free newsletter. Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" where you're never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake 5X larger than an anaconda? Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free.
Up Next:
More from A-Z Animals
The Featured Image

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.