Cottonmouths will eat almost any suitably sized animals, including fish, frogs, snakes, birds and mammals. Back to top Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus Timber or canebrake rattlesnakes are common on the Savannah River Site. This species occupies a wide diversity of terrestrial habitats, but is found most frequently in deciduous forests and high ground in swamps. Heavy-bodied adults are usually 3 to 4 feet, and occasionally 5 feet long. The basic color is gray with black crossbands that are usually chevron-shaped.
Timber rattlesnakes feed on various rodents, rabbits and occasionally birds.
These rattlesnakes are generally passive if not disturbed or pestered in some way. Back to top Pigmy Rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius Pigmy rattlesnakes are uncommon on the Savannah River Site. Individuals are heavy-bodied, but usually only slightly more than 1 foot long. The general color is dull gray with dark gray or brown blotches on the back and sides. This species is so small and well camouflaged that people seldom see pigmy rattlers that are coiled atop pine straw or dead leaves.