What Do Rattlesnakes Eat? Their Diet Explained

Rattlesnakes are the largest venomous snakes in North America. They are known for the characteristic rattle on the end of their tail, which is used as a warning. The rattles are made of segments of keratin, forming a series of interlocking scales. As rattlesnakes contract the muscles at the tip of their tails, the scales create a distinct rattling sound that warns predators not to get too close.

There are over 30 species of rattlesnakes and between 60 and 70 subspecies. Rattlesnakes are found in a variety of habitats throughout the Americas, including deserts, forests, and even wetlands. Rattlesnakes are pit vipers that kill their prey by injecting venom through a set of hollow fangs. But what exactly is their prey? Find out what rattlesnakes eat and learn more about this venomous reptile’s diet.

The Rattlesnake Diet

Rattlesnakes are carnivores and opportunistic predators of live prey. The rattlesnake diet primarily consists of small mammals, although there is some variation depending on the rattlesnake species and the availability of prey in the snake’s habitat. For example, prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) eat more voles and deer mice, while eastern diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus) consume more rabbits and squirrels. Small rattlesnakes like pygmy rattlesnakes (Sistrurus miliarius) eat invertebrates like insects and centipedes more often than their larger cousins.

The following list includes many of the prey species in the rattlesnake’s diet:

• Mice
• Rats
• Voles
• Moles
• Shrews
• Rabbits
• Squirrels
• Chipmunks
• Frogs
• Toads
• Newts
• Salamanders
• Other snakes
• Lizards and other reptiles
• Birds and bird eggs
• Grasshoppers
• Crickets
• Beetles
• Centipedes
• Spiders

What Do Baby Rattlesnakes Eat?

Rattlesnake mothers give birth to live babies that are fully formed and relatively independent. However, baby rattlesnakes typically receive care for about 1-2 weeks after their birth, or until they shed their first skin. The mother defends them from predators and may also show them how to bask so the young can learn to regulate their body temperatures.

After their first shed, the young rattlesnakes disperse from the nest. Juvenile rattlesnakes typically consume small prey such as insects, young rodents, and small lizards. Even though they are juveniles, they still have potent venom, which they use to kill their prey.

Hunting and Capturing Prey

Rattlesnakes are ambush predators and typically lie in wait for their prey to come near before striking. They are pit vipers, so they use the pit organs between their nostrils and eyes to sense the heat of warm-blooded animals. As mentioned above, rattlesnakes kill their prey by injecting potent venom through their fangs. Depending on the species, their fangs can measure up to an inch long. The fangs are hollow, like a needle through which the venom can be injected. Their fangs fold up against the roof of their mouth so they can close their mouths when their fangs are not in use.

Some rattlesnake species can strike up to two-thirds of their body length. They may strike multiple times if their initial strike is unsuccessful. After striking, rattlesnakes release their prey. Then the snake follows the scent trail left by its prey as it succumbs to the venom. Rattlesnakes swallow their food whole, starting with the head. The rattlesnake’s muscles push the prey down its esophagus until it reaches the digestive tract, where gastric juices and enzymes help break the food down. Rattlesnakes have a very slow metabolism, so adults may go 2-3 weeks without food on average. However, younger rattlesnakes eat more frequently, up to once a week.