If cornered, it will stand its ground. Although relatively rare for this area, it is the second largest venomous snake in Harris County. Farther north they tend to hibernate in dens consisting of several species of snakes. They live 10 to 15 years. A new rattle segment is added with each shedding of the skin, but the number of rattles cannot be used to determine age.
Some authorities consider the canebrake rattlesnake to be a subspecies of the timber rattlesnake.
It may be brown, pinkish-gray or yellowish with black or dark jagged crossbands breaking into blotches on the forward body. It has a uniform black tail and rattler, its most distinguishing feature. There is a chestnut or yellow stripe down the middle of the back.