Fun Facts

The Southeastern Pygmy Rattlesnake is extremely small and hard to spot. They are the

smallest venomous snake in the United States. These snakes are so small in fact that they can

only be heard from a few feet away.

Currently there are approximately 3,000 snakes in the United States, only about 375 species

are venomous. This makes the Sistrurus miliarius one of the few venomous snakes in the nation.

In fact, the Southeastern Pygmy Rattlesnake is one of the most abundant venomous snakes in

Florida. Even though they are small and relatively harmless they are still in danger like many

species because of deforestation, urbanization, pollution, and being killed out of fear.

Although these are small snakes they are still considered "rattlesnakes" which means that will

inevitably be hunted. Some of the more popular

hunts are "annual rattlesnake roundups" where

people go out and hunt any type of rattlesnakes no

matter the size. Once these events are done the

proceeds usually end up going to some type

charity. Even though these snakes are feared by

many people, they are essential to keeping down

the rodent population.

The Sistrurus miliarius is classified as a "Pit Viper" because of the facial pits found below and

between the eye and nostril on both sides of the head. The pit is very sensitive to body heat and

serve as a guide to locating warm-blooded prey or predators.

The Southeastern Pygmy Rattlesnake is unique because they release their prey after striking.

Their venom takes about 15 to 20 minutes to

immobilize small animals like Frogs and lizards.

On the other hand when the Sistrurus miliarius

strikes smaller mammals like rabbits or mice it

takes about 30 to 45 seconds to immobilize

them.

The Sistrurus miliarius tend to live about 15-20 years of age and grow to be about 12 to 24

inches in length. Although these snakes have a rattle on the end of the tail, it is rarely kept

because it tends to fall off every couple of years.