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.


Side-by-side comparison
- 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
250-900 grams

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.

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Prairie Rattlesnake

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Timber Rattlesnake







