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Yellowstone National Park
Prairie Rattlesnake
A coiled prairie rattlesnake
Scientific name: Crotalis viridis viridis

Identification
  • More than 48 inches in length.
  • Greenish-gray to olive green, greenish-brown, light brown, or yellowish with dark brown splotches down its back that are bordered in white.
Habitat
  • Only dangerously venomous snake in the park.
  • Lives in the lower Yellowstone River areas of the park, including Reese Creek, Stephens Creek, and Rattlesnake Butte, where the habitat is drier and warmer than elsewhere in the park.
Behavior
  • Usually defensive rather than aggressive.
  • Only two snake bites are known during the history of the park.
Dog Hooked to Travois for Transporting Goods.  

Did You Know?
Some groups of Shoshone Indians, who adapted to a mountain existence, chose not to acquire the horse. These included the Sheep Eaters, or Tukudika, who used dogs to transport food, hides, and other provisions. The Sheep Eaters lived in many locations in Yellowstone.

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Last Updated: June 11, 2009 at 10:50 EST