Pile of ‘venomous’ but ‘docile’ creatures found in Minnesota. ‘Rare sight’
A sea of brown and gray scales rest peacefully in a Minnesota den as rattle sounds fill the air.
It’s a “rare sight” for the team of nongame biologists surveying the southeastern area of Minnesota, they said in an Aug. 6 Facebook post.
The pile of slithery, rattling creatures turned out to be timber rattlesnakes, according to the Minnesota Nongame Wildlife Program.
The threatened species is “venomous,” unlike most snakes, but they’re unlikely to attack even when threatened, according to officials.
“Although they are a venomous snake, timber rattlesnakes are generally docile; their first reaction when faced with a threat is to flee or hide,” biologists said. “If that is not an option, they will rattle their tail as a warning to back off, as seen in this video. Bites are exceptionally rare.”
The species has been reduced over the years due to habitat loss, according to the DNR. Officials are currently surveying the state to determine a more exact count of the species in Minnesota.
Timber rattlesnakes have a “broad, triangular-shaped head and narrow neck” with a gray and tan rattle at the end of their 31 to 48-inch long body, according to officials.
Oftentimes, other snakes can be confused with this species. The Minnesota DNR said the timber rattlesnake is set apart by their “facial sensory pits” and “barred” markings.
They can typically be found in the southeastern part of the state, according to the DNR. They are also seen in eastern and central parts of the United States.
“If you encounter a timber rattlesnake, simply leave it alone and count yourself lucky,” officials said. If you do come across one in Minnesota, however, the DNR asks you to tell them about it through this survey.
This story was originally published August 8, 2025 at 2:48 PM with the headline "Pile of ‘venomous’ but ‘docile’ creatures found in Minnesota. ‘Rare sight’."
