Many of the myths that surround snakes, however, are entirely false. Snakes are not slimy, but have smooth, cool skins. The majority of snakes are not venomous and will not attack without provocation. Snakes are generally solitary creatures and have little to no interest in humans. In fact, most of the truly venomous snakes do not even make their homes in the United States.
Rattlesnakes are perhaps the best known and most easily identifiable snakes in the United States.
Most rattlesnakes stretch three to five feet long at maturity and all possess the distinctive rattler at the edge of their tail. The rattle is created through the frequent molting of the snakes skin. With each molt, a new segment on the rattle appears. The exact reason for the rattle is unknown. Scientists believe that the rattle is used to attract mates and repel attackers.