Timber Rattlesnake

The timber rattlesnake is a large, heavy-bodied snake with a distinctive triangular head and a rattle on its tail. They typically have a pattern of dark chevrons or bands on a gray or tan background, and can reach lengths of 3-5 feet.

While timber rattlesnakes are not typically found *inside* homes, their presence on a property is indicated by visual sightings or the sound of their rattle as a warning. Check around wood piles, rock walls, and overgrown vegetation for possible harborage areas.

MBPC does not directly handle snake removal. If you encounter a timber rattlesnake on your Grand Strand property, contact local animal control or a wildlife removal specialist. Never attempt to handle or kill a snake yourself.

Keep your yard clear of debris, wood piles, and overgrown vegetation to reduce potential snake habitats. Seal any openings in your foundation or crawl spaces to prevent snakes from entering your home. Be cautious when walking in wooded areas, especially during warmer months in the Myrtle Beach area.

Timber rattlesnakes prefer wooded areas, rocky hillsides, and bottomland forests, often near streams or wetlands. In coastal South Carolina, they may be found in maritime forests and near marshes. They thrive in the humid subtropical climate and can be found near residential areas bordering these habitats.

Peak activity: Spring-Fall