Watch Your Step, More Rattlesnakes Are Emerging From Their Dens Around Indiana

Well, dearest readers and friends, it is that time once again - springtime. The cold temperatures are fading, seasonal waterfalls are roaring, and warmer temperatures are arriving each and every day. This is a time of renewed life, and for some of Indiana's creepiest crawling critters, it's time to come out of hibernation and greet the world once again. One such creature to keep your eyes peeled for is the Timber Rattlesnake, a venomous pit viper that makes its home in southern Indiana. This spring, be sure to look out for timber rattlesnakes in Indiana. They're all bursting back to life, and you most certainly don't want to accidentally encounter one.

These guys can make their homes just about anywhere. From lush, green forests to floodplains, hills, and more. And they just so happen to thrive in southern Indiana.

Though some specimens of the Timber Rattlesnake have been found to reach up to seven feet in length, they most commonly stop growing at around two and a half to five feet long. They are large, heavy, and very easy to overlook thanks to their brilliantly camouflaged skins.

The Timber Rattlesnakes' range is across much of the east and east central United States. In fact, they've been found as far south as the eastern Texas coast and as far north as New York.

Once upon a time, they could even be found in Maine and parts of southern Canada. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. Even here in Indiana, these rattlesnakes are considered endangered.

A Timber Rattlesnake's color ranges from grey to dusty brown, with a reddish or light brown stripe extending down the back.

It has a dark coloration, either dark brown or black, on the tips of its tail, and black markings across its back, spanning the length of its body. It's venomous and looks quite fierce, but believe it or not, bites by venomous snakes in Indiana are pretty rare.

Your best bet for running into one of these rattlesnakes is by accidentally stepping on it in a wooded or grassy area. This is a recipe for disaster if you're wearing thin pants or otherwise inadequate protection from bites within the snake's reach.

The Timber Rattlesnakes in Indiana usually prefer to sit perfectly still, either coiled up or stretched out until the danger they perceive passes on by. They are not outwardly aggressive, and they much prefer to be left alone.

Like any other rattlesnake, the Timber Rattlesnake sounds a warning "rattle" on its tail when it perceives a threat to its safety.

This sound is very distinctive and just about everyone from everywhere knows what it means. If you ever hear this sound, you'd better back up.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these little guys this spring. It's very easy to accidentally step on one, potentially injuring it and risking a nasty bite for yourself.

Have you ever encountered one of these Timber Rattlesnakes in Indiana? If so, please feel free to share your experience with us in the comments below. Also, remember to always keep your eyes peeled. And if you come across one, don't approach it.

Indiana is home to many types of other wildlife. For examples of wildlife in Indiana, including places where some of these undomesticated animals live, be sure to take a look at the following article: 6 Wild Places To See Uncommon Animals In Indiana.