Mating occurs in the spring and young are born between August and October. The eggs of the rattlesnake are retained within the mother's body until they hatch, when the young are born alive. Rattler babies have short fangs and venom when they are born. Some species are even more pugnacious than the adults. Youngsters are unable to make a rattling sound, but they do throw themselves into a defensive pose and strike repeatedly when disturbed.
All young snakes are independent of their mothers.
They do remain in the general area of their birth for 7 to 10 days, until they shed their first skin. Many newborns do not survive the first year, dying from hunger or being eaten by birds and animals, or they perish during the winter months because they were unable to find a warm crevice to hibernate within. As the hollow fangs penetrate the flesh of the victim, venom is released. Most small prey is instantly stunned, larger animals often run before dying but are followed by the snake. Few people are actually bitten by rattlesnakes, but because their bite is extremely painful and can be fatal it is important to be alert and watch your step when outside.