Pigmy Rattlesnake

The Pigmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) can be found in the southeastern states of the United States including the states of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The pigmy rattlesnake is often known as ground rattlers in many areas of the south. Their choice of habitat varies regionally from marshy habitats, flat woods, sand hills, floodplains, mixed hardwood and pine forests.

Pigmy Rattlesnake Description

Pigmy rattlesnakes are usually gray or grayish brown with dark blotches and a gold or orange stripe running along the middle of the back. They have tiny rattlers that make them very difficult to hear and see. Their rattlers are fragile and often may break off, so some snakes may have a few or no rattlers. Baby rattlers look like adults but have a yellow-tipped tails.

Pigmy Rattlesnake Behavior & Habitat

Pigmy rattlesnakes become inactive during the winter months in most geographical locations and are considered a hibernating species. Although, these snakes can be found sun bathing on warm and sunny winter days. They are most active during the autumn months with many encounters occurring in the early to late spring months. The travel frequently at night but are also seen in the daytime. If their habitat becomes flooded they often climb palms, vines, and shrubs to get several feet above the ground.

Diet

Their diet consists of a wide variety of small mammals such as mice and birds. They will also feed on lizards, frogs, insects, and other snakes. One of the ways that a snake removal and control professional will treat your pygmy rattlesnake problem is to treat the food source they are eating, and GET RID OF THE FOOD SOURCE!!!!!

Reproduction

Pigmy rattlesnakes typically mate in the fall and spring with the babies being born in August and September. The pigmy snake is oviparous which means they give birth to live snakes. Snakes in the southern states like Florida generally produce more babies than the pigmy snakes in the northern states.

How dangerous are pigmy rattlesnakes?

Although pigmy rattlesnakes are venomous they are generally not considered dangerous because of their small size and inability to produce much venom. It is very unlikely that this small snake will be able to deliver enough venom for the bite to be fatal to an adult. Although, snake bites in children can be extremely dangerous that can lead to extensive hospitalizations and necrosis of the affected area. Immediate medical attention should be sought with any snake bite in adults and children. Your medical facility can administer an antivenin. Typically most snake bites occur on the hands from people trying to capture and picking them up. If you are concerned about a snake found in your yard, or home have it removed by an experienced venomous snake removal professional.

I have a pigmy rattlesnake in my garage! What do I do?

Call a professional snake removal company to rid you home of snakes. Because pigmy rattlesnakes rattles have small rattles or will typically lose them because they are so fragile, they can be mistaken for a nonvenomous snake. Never attempt to capture a snake, observe it from a safe distance do not disturb it and call the snake removal professionals to catch it.

Why do I have a Pigmy Rattlesnake in my house?

Commonly snakes will enter you home through small holes in search of a food source. Getting the snake out of the home solves the immediate problem. Once the Pigmy Snake has been removed the food source must be eliminated to prevent any further snakes from entering the home. A Pigmy Snake Professional can be located by selecting the Locate A Pro tab at the top of this page!