When threatened, the Neotropical rattlesnake adopts a particularly striking defensive posture. Lifting the front third of the body off of the ground, the snake aims its head at the disturbance. As the tension heightens, the snake vibrates its rattle with increasing intensity. The venom of this species is one of the most toxic of all rattlesnakes.
Yucatan Neotropical Rattlesnake
Crotalus tzabcan
Fact File
Where to see them: Reptile House
Length: Up to 5 ft
Habitat: Dry tropical forest, scrubland and savanna
Diet: RodentsVideo
Back Off: As a first act of defense, the rattle on the end of a rattlesnake’s tail vibrates to warn intruders of its presence.
90-Second Naturalist 
