Saw this big guy on a hike today. Definitely had a rattle but cant seem to get a positive id... What do yall think??

Timber Rattler 100%

They bite

Yup also called a Canebrake. They�re protected in Texas. Beautiful snake.

Also protected. They are listed as a threatened species.

Crotalus horridus. Common names are timber rattler, canebreak rattler, and velvet tail rattler. And they are protected in Texas like the other fellas said.

Is this fella not too dark to be a timber rattlebug?

No.

Pretty snake, but also glad I have never seen one.

I hate it when you are right... Nailed it

I was leaning towards a Rock Rattler myself.

No.

Identifying features are the chevron pattern, dorsal line (often orange in color) down back and black tail. As well as the general physical build (mature snake), heavy body, big snake.

Protected by the State and Federally.....awesome snake....Timbers and Indigos are my two favorite native Texas snakes....

This is one I moved from a roadway a few years back.....

Don�t kill the timber rattlers.
The Game Warden will track you down by the pictures you post.

Don' post pictures

Understood. The pic I posted is of a snake a friend of mine picked up off the road about 10 years ago. It had unfortunately been run over. Just the same...it is illegal to hold/possess them (dead or alive) with certain exceptions. If the wardens have no other pressing business than to chase down someone who took a picture of a dead snake (road kill) 10 years ago...then so be it.

It's not a 'challenge' you understand, just seems like a prodigal waste of everyone's time and resources.

I am very much a respecter of snakes and a conservationist for the most part...as is the person whose foot in that pic.

Snakes are good looking and rather interesting in pictures. That said, I don't know if I would have my whereabouts on me to understand protected species if it was rattling a couple feet away from me. Glad to know about this one though!

That's an awesome looking snake!