Western Pygmy Rattlesnake

Sistrurus miliarius streckeri

RANGE From western Kentucky to eastern Texas

HABITAT Open woodlands; fields near swamps, ponds, and marshes

DIET Mice, reptiles, amphibians, and insects

The western pygmy rattlsnake is one of the smallest rattlesnakes in North America. This species is basically grey, with small dark spots going down the back and sides. It usually has an orange tinge running down the top of the back.

It has a thin tail and a tiny rattle. The sound of the vibrating rattle is a faint buzz like the sound of a grasshopper.