Viper Vs. Rattlesnake: What Are The Key Differences

Viper vs rattlesnake is a very interesting topic as many people consider them the same but they are different. Let’s look at what makes these two snakes different so you can tell them apart.

Vipers are a type of venomous snake found in many places worldwide. They’re known for giving birth to live young, which is how they got their name. Vipers have hollow fangs to inject venom into their prey and like to wait in hiding until the perfect moment to strike. 

Rattlesnakes, on the other hand, are a type of viper. They belong to a special group of vipers called Crotalinae and have pit organs that help them sense body heat from animals nearby. 

Let’s learn the key differences between vipers and rattles.

The key differences between viper and rattlesnake:

Appearance:

Viper

Vipers come in a wide range of colors and patterns. They all have special hollow fangs that fold up to the roof of their mouth when not in use, allowing them to inject venom from glands behind their eyes. Most vipers have keeled or ridged scales, which make them feel rough. They also usually have triangular-shaped heads, thick bodies, and short tails. Most vipers have cat-like pupils that can expand or shrink, helping them see well in bright and dim light.

Rattlesnakes

Like other vipers, rattlesnakes have triangular heads, thick bodies, keeled scales, and foldable fangs. Their colors vary, but many have dark diamond shapes or other patterns on a lighter background. What makes rattlesnakes different from other vipers is their tails rattle. This rattle is made of hollow chambers of keratin that bump together to create their unique rattling sound. Rattlesnakes have special pit organs near their nose and eyes to sense heat from nearby animals, almost like an infrared camera.

Size: Vipers vs. Rattlesnakes

Viper

Vipers come in many different sizes depending on the species. Some are tiny, while others can be very large. The Namaqua dwarf adder is one of the smallest vipers, usually growing just 7 to 10 inches long, with a maximum length of 11 inches. On the other hand, the bushmaster is the longest pit viper in the world. It can grow to over 6 feet, sometimes even 12 feet. The gaboon viper is also very large and heavy, weighing 20 to 25 pounds.

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes can also vary in size, depending on their species. They are usually between 1.5 and 6.5 feet long. Some, like the eastern diamondback, can grow as long as 8 feet and weigh up to 10 pounds.

Diet: 

Viper

Vipers eat a wide variety of animals, including fish, frogs, lizards, insects, birds, and even mammals. They use a hunting style called “ambush foraging,” which means they stay still and wait for their prey to come close before striking.

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes like to eat rodents, rabbits, squirrels, birds, lizards, and frogs, but they only eat when they’re really hungry. Adult rattlesnakes can go up to two weeks between meals. They live in many different habitats, like deserts, swamps, rainforests, and meadows, and often hide in rocky crevices, caves, or piles of leaves to stay safe.

Habitat and Range: 

Viper

Vipers are one of the most widespread types of snakes on Earth. You can find them in almost every part of the world, except in places like Australia, Hawaii, Antarctica, Madagascar, and other remote islands. Vipers live in many habitats, including deserts, woodlands, forests, rocky areas, and rainforests. They also make their homes along coasts, in mountains, swamps, wetlands, and more.

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes are found only in the Americas, from southern Canada to Argentina. Most rattlesnakes live in the southwestern United States or northern Mexico, especially in desert areas. But rattlesnakes can also be found in meadows, grassy fields, swamps, rocky hills, and brushy areas.

They often live in rocky crevices where they can hide together. During the cold winter, rattlesnakes gather in these dens to rest in a state called brumation, similar to hibernation.

Behavior: Viper vs. Rattlesnake

Viper

Vipers are patient hunters, using a technique called ambush hunting. They wait quietly for their prey to come close, then strike quickly. When they feel threatened, some vipers will shake their tails as a warning. Most vipers are solitary and prefer to be alone, except during the breeding season. In cold winter, some types of vipers will gather in large groups to rest in special dens, a behavior called brumation.

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes have a special way of warning others. They shake their tails to make a rattling sound, like a maraca, to show they’re ready to defend themselves if needed. While some other vipers can make a buzzing sound by shaking their tails against things, rattlesnakes are the only ones with a real rattle to make this sound. Like other vipers, rattlesnakes are usually alone unless they breed or break into dens with others.

Venom and Danger: Viper vs. Rattlesnake

Vipers

Vipers are some of the deadliest snakes on Earth. Their venom varies by species, but a few, like Russell’s viper, are known for being especially dangerous and can bite without being provoked. In India alone, Russell’s viper bites cause 15,000 to 25,000 deaths yearly. Another deadly viper, the saw-scaled viper, is aggressive and extremely venomous.

Rattlesnakes

Like the timber rattlesnake, rattlesnakes have long fangs that inject powerful venom. The timber rattlesnake has a special toxin called crotoxin or “canebrake toxin,” which is a strong neurotoxin that can cause paralysis. All rattlesnake bites are serious and should be treated as emergencies, as their venom destroys red blood cells and damages tissue. Fortunately, antivenom is widely available, and deaths are rare if medical help is received quickly. 

Conclusion:

Viper vs rattlesnake, both are attractive but dangerous snakes but have some key differences. While all rattlesnakes are a type of viper, not all vipers are rattlesnakes. Vipers can be found worldwide and come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Rattlesnakes, however, live only in the Americas and have their unique rattling tail as a warning signal. Both use venom to hunt and protect themselves, but rattlesnakes are known for their special “rattle” sound.