1. Which snake, A, B, or C, is a rattlesnake?
Bonus: Can you name the other two snakes?
Answer: Snake C is a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
The giveaway here is the rattle at the tip of the tail. Even though the pattern isn't very clear, it is the only snake with a rattle. The other two snakes have skinny tails.
Bonus: Snake A is a Great Basin Gopher Snake (look for the chunky squarish pattern against a light background). Snake B is a Night Snake (look for the tell-tale dark 'collar')
2. Which snake, A or B, is a rattlesnake?
Bonus: Which snake sometimes 'plays rattlesnake' by shaking its tail and hissing?
Answer: Snake A is a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
Again, the giveaway here is the rattle at the tip of the tail. However, the pattern (dark blotches surrounded by lighter halos) and the broad, triangular head is also visible here.
Bonus: Snake B is a Great Basin Gopher Snake (compare the slim head to the rattlesnake). Despite their tough act, gopher snakes are not venomous! See the video clips on the More on Rattlers page for a comparison of a true rattlesnake rattle and a gopher snake imitation act.
3. Which snake, A, B, or C, is a rattlesnake?
Congratulations if you got this right! While you cannot see the rattle, you can see the rattlesnake's head - the dark eye mask, and the broad, triangular shape. Also notice how chunky the rattlesnake looks in comparison to snakes A and B.
Bonus: Snake A is a Juvenile Western Yellow-bellied Racer. Notice the slender shape - juvenile rattlers have a more chunky shape with a very distinct head, and button on the tip of their tail. Snake B is a Western Terrestrial (Wandering) Garter Snake. Notice the much smaller spots, the white stripes, and the skinny tail.
Thanks for taking our snake quiz! We hope it helped you learn to identify B.C.'s beautiful snakes.
Important: Remember, even if you are confident you can identify a snake you've found, please leave it alone - for your health and the health of the snake! It is against the law to capture, harm, or kill reptiles in British Columbia.