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Prairie Rattlesnake vs Timber Rattlesnake

How does the Prairie Rattlesnake compare to the Timber Rattlesnake? They are both members of the Viperidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.

Prairie Rattlesnake
Timber Rattlesnake

Side-by-side comparison

Prairie Rattlesnake
Timber Rattlesnake
Scientific name
Crotalus viridis
Crotalus horridus
Classification
Reptile
Reptile
Family
Viperidae
Viperidae
Habitat
Grasslands and prairies
Deciduous forests and rocky hillsides
Diet
Carnivore
Carnivore
Conservation status
Least Concern
Least Concern
Lifespan
10-20 years
10-20 years
Weight
250-900 grams
500-1,500 grams

Prairie Rattlesnake vs Timber Rattlesnake: who would win?

Prairie Rattlesnake

Prairie Rattlesnake

250-900 grams

VS
Timber Rattlesnake

Timber Rattlesnake

500-1,500 grams

Timber Rattlesnake wins moderate confidence

Timber Rattlesnake is substantially heavier (500-1,500 grams vs 250-900 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

Similarities

  • Both are reptiles.
  • Both belong to the Viperidae family.
  • Both have a carnivore diet.
  • Both are listed as Least Concern.

Differences

  • Habitat: Grasslands and prairies vs Deciduous forests and rocky hillsides.
  • Weight: 250-900 grams vs 500-1,500 grams.

Prairie Rattlesnake vs Timber Rattlesnake: FAQ

Who would win in a fight, a Prairie Rattlesnake or a Timber Rattlesnake?

Timber Rattlesnake wins. Timber Rattlesnake is substantially heavier (500-1,500 grams vs 250-900 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

What is the difference between a Prairie Rattlesnake and a Timber Rattlesnake?

Prairie Rattlesnake and Timber Rattlesnake differ in several ways — habitat: grasslands and prairies vs deciduous forests and rocky hillsides. weight: 250-900 grams vs 500-1,500 grams.

Do Prairie Rattlesnake and Timber Rattlesnake live in the same habitat?

No — Prairie Rattlesnake lives in grasslands and prairies, while Timber Rattlesnake is found in deciduous forests and rocky hillsides.

What do Prairie Rattlesnake and Timber Rattlesnake eat?

Both Prairie Rattlesnake and Timber Rattlesnake have a carnivore diet.

Which is more endangered, the Prairie Rattlesnake or the Timber Rattlesnake?

Prairie Rattlesnake is listed as Least Concern, while Timber Rattlesnake is listed as Least Concern.

How big are Prairie Rattlesnake and Timber Rattlesnake?

Prairie Rattlesnake weighs around 250-900 grams, while Timber Rattlesnake weighs around 500-1,500 grams.

Prairie Rattlesnake

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Prairie Rattlesnake

Timber Rattlesnake

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Timber Rattlesnake