Watch A Stunned Couple Discover A Rattlesnake Hiding Under Their Fridge

Written by Sharon Parry
Updated: October 20, 2023
Share on:
Listen to Article

When the weather is a little colder, western diamondback rattlesnakes hunt out shelters where they can hide until things warm up a bit more. As the video at the bottom of this page shows, they can pick places that are quite inconvenient for humans. This particular snake was originally spotted behind a barbecue but when disturbed it moved under a fridge. It was a little awkward to access the snake but it was safely removed and released in an appropriate location by the snake expert.

Check Out The Entire Video Below!

How Can You Spot A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake?

The scientific name for the western diamondback rattlesnake is Crotalus atrox. The term Crotalus is derived from the Greek word crotalon, which means rattle or little bell. As is the case in this video, you may hear the distinctive rattle sound that the snake makes before you see it! However, it is not the only species of rattlesnake on the planet.

The western diamondback is the largest rattlesnake that we come across in western North America. They can range from three feet in length to around seven feet. Their head is triangular and they have keeled scales. These are scales that have a ridge down the center so they feel rough to the touch. The heat-seeking ‘pits’ are located just below the nostrils.

Snake, Fang, Rattlesnake, Poisonous, Aggression Snake, Fang, Rattlesnake, Poisonous, Aggression

Rattlesnakes are relatively easy to identify.

©iStock.com/johnaudrey

In terms of color, they can be quite variable. You may see gray, pink, browns and yellow. They derive their name from the brown or black diamond-shaped markings which tend to become less distinctive towards the tail. That infamous rattle tail has black, white or light grey rings and a new segment is added to the rattle every time the snake sheds its skin.

How To Stay Safe Around Rattlesnakes

The job of dealing with a rattlesnake in your home is best left to the experts. Brumation is a process that ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals undergo when the temperatures drop. They hide away and become sluggish although they will emerge from time to time to eat and drink. The problem is that they may choose your home or areas in your garden for their brumation.

Snakes in this condition can still attack you so keep your distance. Rattlesnakes are venomous and use their venom to incapacitate their prey such as rabbits, mice, rats, sparrows, and ground squirrels. They will also use it to defend themselves. Whilst they may not see you as potential prey, they will view you as a threat and will often strike!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Banu R

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.



Share on:
About the Author

Dr Sharon Parry is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on dogs, animal behavior, and research. Sharon holds a PhD from Leeds University, UK which she earned in 1998 and has been working as a science writer for the last 15 years. A resident of Wales, UK, Sharon loves taking care of her spaniel named Dexter and hiking around coastlines and mountains.

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