The sidewinder rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes) is an insectivorous species of venomous pit viper that belongs to the Crotalinae subfamily of the Crotalidae family of snakes.
The sidewinder rattlesnake is native to North America and its range extends from Southern Alberta in Canada
The sidewinder rattlesnake, also known as Crotalus cerastes, is a venomous pit viper found in arid regions of the southwestern United States.
The snake is named for its unique hunting behavior; when cornered, it will rear up with its rattles facing forward and move sideways like a sidewinding (hence sidewinder) snake.
A sidewinder rattlesnake is a venomous pit viper found in arid regions of western North America. They have heat-sensing pits located between their nostrils and eyes
Sidewinders often strike quickly, like many snakes, with little to no movement. They also tend to be quite defensive when cornered or threatened
Like other rattlesnakes, sidewinders have a triangular-shaped head, vertical pupils, and facial pits used to sense heat.
The name sidewinder is derived from their tendency to twist from side to side when hunting for prey on warm desert sands
Sidewinders are carnivores and prey on small rodents like ground squirrels and lizards – they have even been known to eat birds