What are rattlesnakes and where do they live?

Rattlesnakes are creepy-looking snakes that live in places where it’s hot and dry, like deserts or forests near mountains.

Imagine you’re playing with a toy that makes bzzzzzt sounds when you shake it, that's kind of what a rattlesnake does! When it feels scared or wants to warn someone away, it shakes its tail, which has little bumps on it called rings. These rings make a loud rattle-rattle sound.

Rattlesnakes live in many parts of the world, especially in places like the United States and Mexico. They love to hide under rocks, in tall grass, or even in caves. Sometimes you can find them sunbathing on a warm rock, just like how you might lie on your back in the park on a sunny day.

When it gets cold, some rattlesnakes sleep underground until it warms up again, kind of like how you snuggle under blankets when you’re chilly at night.