Stock Photo - Timber Rattlesnakes, Crotalus horridus, northeastern United States Venomous pitvipers, widely distributed throughout eastern United States Legally protected in 8 of 32 states in which it occurs Populations declining due to habitat loss and direct persecution Occurs in two color morphs--black and yellow Female bear live litters of 3-14 young every 3-5 years Feeds mainly on small mammals captured through ambush Ectothermic cold-blooded--relies heavily on rocky, south-facing outcrops for basking Generally mild-mannered in comparison to other rattlesnake species Gravid females basking to bring young to term