Arkansas is home to a diverse array of wildlife, and rattlesnakes are present in the state. These venomous pit vipers are a natural component of the state’s ecosystem, particularly in forested and rugged terrain. Of the six venomous snake species found in Arkansas, three belong to the rattlesnake group. Residents and visitors should be aware of their distinct characteristics and habitats for safe coexistence.
Rattlesnake Species Found in Arkansas
Two species of rattlesnakes are most commonly encountered in Arkansas: the Timber Rattlesnake and the Western Pygmy Rattlesnake. The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is the larger of the two, typically measuring between 36 and 60 inches in length. Its body coloration is highly variable, ranging from yellowish-brown and tan to gray, often featuring dark, chevron-shaped crossbands along its back. It is sometimes called the “velvet-tail rattler” because the last few inches of its tail, just before the rattle, are often completely black.
The Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius streckeri), also known as the Ground Rattler, is significantly smaller, usually measuring only 15 to 20 inches as an adult. This makes it the smallest of Arkansas’s venomous snakes, contributing to its secretive nature. Its coloration is generally pale gray or light brown, marked with dark, irregular blotches that often feature a distinctive bronze or rust-colored stripe down the center of its spine.
A defining feature of the Pygmy Rattlesnake is its remarkably small rattle, which produces a faint, insect-like buzzing sound difficult to hear from more than a few feet away. This contrasts sharply with the loud warning of the Timber Rattlesnake. Relying heavily on camouflage, its small size and quiet rattle make it particularly easy to overlook on the forest floor.
Geographic Distribution and Preferred Habitats
The distribution of rattlesnakes in Arkansas is closely tied to the state’s varied topography, particularly the rugged western half. The Timber Rattlesnake is the most widely distributed, found throughout the state in areas that provide suitable cover and denning sites. These snakes favor heavily wooded, rocky areas, making them common in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains.
In mountainous regions, Timber Rattlesnakes utilize rocky bluffs and south-facing hillsides for basking and communal denning during winter. They are also found in lowland thickets, swamps, and river floodplains, especially in the state’s eastern sections. This preference for mature forests and rocky outcrops allows them to ambush rodents and other small prey.
The Western Pygmy Rattlesnake occupies a wide range of habitats across Arkansas, including dry upland forests, woodlands, and cedar thickets. Unlike the Timber Rattlesnake, the Pygmy Rattlesnake is frequently encountered near water sources, such as marshes, wetlands, and riverbanks. It is most prevalent in the state’s southern and eastern regions, where habitats include ample ground cover and moist environments.
Encounter Safety and Prevention
Minimizing the risk of a rattlesnake encounter begins with awareness and preparation when spending time outdoors. Wearing protective footwear, such as over-the-ankle hiking boots or specialized snake gaiters, guards against accidental bites. Rattlesnakes are non-aggressive and only strike when they feel threatened, typically when startled or cornered.
Avoid blindly placing hands or feet into areas where a snake might be concealed. Do not step over fallen logs or large rocks without first checking the other side, and avoid reaching into crevices or dense brush piles. If walking at night, use a light source to illuminate the path ahead and prevent accidental encounters.
If a rattlesnake is sighted, remain calm and slowly move away, allowing it to retreat without provocation. If a bite occurs, immediate medical attention is necessary; victims should call ahead to the nearest hospital to alert them. While waiting for emergency services, keep the bitten limb still and below the level of the heart to slow the spread of venom.
Avoid common but harmful first aid practices. Do not apply a tourniquet, as this can concentrate the venom and cause severe tissue damage. Also, do not attempt to cut the wound, apply ice, or use any form of suction device, as these actions are ineffective and increase the risk of infection.