Speckled Rattlesnake: Habitat, Diet, and Identification Tips

What Is a Speckled Rattlesnake?

While they were once part of a group of several subspecies, all but the speckled rattlesnake (C. mitchelli) have been moved. Most were elevated to full species status and a couple moved as a subspecies in a different group. 

The speckled rattlesnake is so named because of its pattern of speckles over a lighter base color. In many individuals, the speckles gather into something approaching crossbands that become more defined as saddle markings toward the tail.

This venomous snake has large venom glands in its cheeks moveable, hinged fangs, and a rattle on its tail. It is a dangerous pit viper that uses its special heat-sensing pits to locate warm-blooded prey.

Where Do Speckled Rattlesnakes Live?

This venomous snake species is native to the Baja California Peninsula, but only the southern half and a few islands off the coast. Also called the Baja speckled rattlesnake, it occurs throughout the dry, arid habitats on the peninsula. It doesn’t usually inhabit the coasts, but where there is enough sage scrub for cover, a speckled rattlesnake may take up residence.

Diet and Behavior: What Do Speckled Rattlesnakes Eat?

Some experts estimate that snakes, but especially rattlesnakes, eat more rodents than any other animal. Speckled rattlesnakes eat rats, mice, probably small rabbits, and lizards too. 

These rattlesnakes are more active during the day than most rattlers but often switch to a more crepuscular pattern during the hottest weather. Speckled rattlesnakes sometimes hunt actively but, like their ambush-hunting rattlesnake cousins, are more likely to find a nice cubby to hunker down and wait for their food to come to them!

This species is relatively shy and doesn’t seek out confrontation. They prefer to sit unnoticed while people and pets walk past. However, when threatened they rattle and strike if necessary. 

What About Their Venom?

According to a study published in January 2023 on micro-endemic speckled rattlesnakes, their venom contains higher amounts of crotoxin, which is a neurotoxin present in many South American species. 

Because most North American rattlesnakes have hemotoxic venom, it means that different antivenom must be used for speckled rattlesnake bite treatment. So, knowing which rattlesnake bit you is vital.

How Can You Identify a Speckled Rattlesnake? 

Thanks to their speckled pattern and limited range, these rattlesnakes are easily identified. Speckled rattlesnakes typically grow to between 18 and 24 inches long. A few really big individuals may hit 36 inches, but that is very rare. 

This species matches the rocky hills where they live. So the base color can vary from whitish-gray to pink or even pale orange. In some snakes, the speckles sort of group into rough crossbands in the front half of the body that become more defined as they approach the tail.

As with other rattlesnakes, speckled rattlesnakes have a rattle that they develop as they mature. They get a new rattle segment every time they shed, but they’re brittle and break easily. Rattlesnake rattles are made from keratin, the same thing as human fingernails.

So if anyone told you that you can tell how old a rattlesnake is by the number of rattle segments — they were wrong. Besides, most rattlesnakes shed one to four times each year, depending on how much food they’ve been able to eat. 

Tips to Identify Rattlesnakes

Here are a few more tips that should help you figure out which rattlesnake you saw crammed into a crevice, rattling his little heart out.

Location. Aside from the color pattern and rattle, location is vital. Speckled rattlesnakes don’t live everywhere. For example, if you’re in Massachusetts, that rattler was not a speckled rattlesnake. Likewise, if you are in California, that rattler was not a timber rattlesnake. 

So, note the location. GPS is great, but a rough idea of the location (eastern edge of county “x”) is usually enough.

Head shape, pupil shape, and neck thickness. Alone, these are not enough to properly identify a snake, but they narrow down the list of suspects. All speckled rattlesnakes have elliptical pupils and a noticeably broad head that looks like someone plopped it on the end of their neck, which is obviously thinner than the head.

However, if you can clearly see the shape of their pupils, you might be too close. It may be time to reevaluate your life choices.

Body type and scales. Speckled rattlesnakes have stocky bodies for the length, combined with rough, keeled body scales, and tiny, pebble-like head scales. 

For most rattlesnakes, location, color pattern, and markings are enough to determine species. However, if there is still a question, experts also use the number of scales across their midbody, tail pattern (if there is one), and the scale number and arrangement around their face for a positive identification.

Babies and Reproduction

Rattlesnakes do not lay eggs. Instead, the female carries them until they are ready to be born. Then, usually, in mid to late summer, she gives birth to as many as 10 baby rattlesnakes. Called neonates, the babies look much like their parents. 

When they are born, the neonates are fully equipped with venom and fangs. However, they aren’t quite ready for the world yet.

For the first week or two, the babies stay close to where they were born. Many rattlesnake moms stay with their babies until they have shed their skin for the first time.  

Other Speckled Rattlesnakes

Thanks to genetic testing and more scientific study, many species have moved from one genus to another. Some, previously believed to be separate species, were combined into one. Most speckled rattlesnakes used to be classified as subspecies under Crotalus mitchelli. In 2007 and 2016, scientists moved several into their own species. Here are the current speckled rattlesnakes and their scientific names:

• Speckled rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchelli) — Isolated to southern Baja California, it’s sometimes called Mitchell’s rattlesnake or the Baja speckled rattlesnake.
• Southwestern speckled rattlesnake (Crotalus pyrrhus) — Occurs in southern California, southern Nevada, and southwestern Utah, western Arizona, and Mexico in Northern Baja California and Sonora.
• Horsehead Island speckled rattlesnake (Crotalus polisi) — Restricted to only Horsehead Island off the coast of Baja Calfornia.
• Louse Island speckled rattlesnake (Crotalus thalassoporus) — Another island native!
• Panamint rattlesnake (Crotalus stephensi) — Southwestern Nevada and south-central California.
• Isla Angel Rattlesnake (Crotalus angelensis) — As islands offer unique adaptation opportunities, it’s not surprising that several rattlesnakes have changed to suit the island life.

Rattlesnake Bite First Aid

Any rattlesnake bite is a medical emergency. 

Wherever you are located when bitten, make note of it and any identifying characteristics of the snake. Of course, there are some outdated myths on how to deal with a rattlesnake bite, but we are here with updated information that could save your life.

• DO stay calm. The less you get agitated, the easier it is to keep the venom from spreading too far. 
• DO call 911 for help or get to a hospital quickly.
• DO remove all constrictive clothing, jewelry, and watches. 
• DO keep the bite wound below the level of your heart.
• DO clean it with soap and water, then cover it with a clean bandage.
• DO immobilize the area if possible. 
• DO take a photo or memorize details of the snake.

As with any medical emergency, there is also a list of what not to do.

• NEVER cut into the bite and try to suck out the venom.
• NEVER use tourniquets or ice.
• NEVER try to catch the snake! If the first bite was a warning, the second one would be the real thing.

Snake experts say that up to 25% of all snakebites are dry — meaning no venom is injected. However, there is no guarantee. If you can get medical care in a timely fashion, a full recovery can be expected. Of course, some people are more sensitive to snake venom or antivenom, so there are always exceptions. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Pavel Filatov/Shutterstock.com