It is illegal to kill or collect this species by law in Iowa. Known from only a few locations in northwestern Iowa. Please report this snake to us or the DNR, especially if found outside of Plymouth County.
Prairie rattlesnakes have a diamond shaped head which is set off from the relatively thin neck.
The pupils of the eyes are elliptical in bright light and there is a heat-sensitive pit between the eye and nostril on both sides of the head. Ground color consists of varying shades of brown, from tan to greenish, to dark brown. There are darker blotches down the back, and smaller spots on the sides. The belly is usually light yellow or cream and unmarked except for darker stippling on some specimens. The tail is ringed with a tan rattle at the end.