Black morph – background of gray with a rich black pattern. Yellow morph – background of tan with a sulfur yellow pattern. Combination morph - Western and southern populations can have a mixture of black and yellow morphs.

Their eyes are yellow, with elliptical pupils. They have V or W-shaped crossbar markings, which create a distinct pattern across its back. [3] X Research source They have a distinctive rattler on its tail made up of special scales.

They are the third-largest venomous snake in the United States. Baby rattlers are generally 1 foot (30cm) at birth. Unlike a lot of other snakes, timber rattlesnakes are born alive and not hatched from eggs. [4] X Research source

Snakes that thermoregulate can often be found sunning themselves on rocks or in direct sunlight. While they are not as active during the day, they can still be found under these conditions.

Eastern milk snake – Harmless to humans, the eastern milkshake shares a similar V or W pattern as the timber rattler. It, however, has a checkerboard pattern on its belly. It lacks the distinct pits on the side of the head. This snake is most often confused with the timber rattlesnake as it, despite not having rattle scales, shakes its tail to warn off predators. [5] X Trustworthy Source State of Michigan Official website for the State of Michigan Go to source Common garter snake – These common backyard snakes may share similar coloring of the timber rattlesnake, but lacks its size and distinctive rattle. Garter snakes sometimes have color stripes of scales (rather than the distinctive V or W pattern). This is a harmless snake; however, just like other wild animals, should be left alone if encountered. [6] X Research source Eastern hog-nosed snake – This non-venomous snake shares similar color variations as a timber rattlesnake, but is distinctive for its upturned nose and its square blocks of color (usually black) along its back. They reach about 46inches (115cm) and share the same habitat as the timber rattler. [7] X Research source

In general, hibernation occurs between the first frost and April.

Cut timber, tree stumps, and branches are great hiding spots for these rattlers.

These biomes share a general climate including temperate weather and terrestrial land.