| Reptiles |
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus helleri
| Conservation Status: Safe for Now
- © Russs Smith. Used with permission.
The Southern Pacific rattlesnake, one of the largest rattlesnakes, is the only dangerously venomous snake native to California. Their venom is highly toxic to humans and occasionally fatal; however, they strike humans only if cornered or threatened.
Facts and Features
- Geographic Distribution
Southern Santa Barbara County to northwestern Baja California, Mexico. Also Santa Cruz and Santa Catalina Islands.
- Amazing Facts
Much of our current-day technological advances in night-vision and heat seeking ability are a result, in part of research done on pit vipers such as the southern Pacific rattlesnake.
- At the Aquarium
Not on exhibit. Information about this rattlesnake is included in the Online Ocean Learning Center for use as a reference.