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Prairie Rattlesnake with Visible Rattle

a brown snake with dark patches along its back, a triangular head, and a rattle on the end of its tail

Prairie rattlesnakes are common in the park in rocky areas and around prairie dog towns. You may also see them on roads after sunset enjoying the warm pavement. They are the only venomous snake in South Dakota. Fortunately, rattlesnakes will usually give a loud warning before striking by shaking the rattle on their tail to create a buzzing sound. They can be identified from bullsnakes by their rattle, the triangular shape of their head, and slit-shaped pupils.

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NPS Photo

Public domain:Full Granting Rights

Image

Wind Cave National Park, Code: WICA

Wind Cave National Park, Custer County, South Dakota
Latitude: 43.5802993774414, Longitude: -103.439002990723

NPS.gov Collection

01/01/0001

Monday, August 24, 2020 2:54:47 PM

Monday, August 24, 2020 2:54:47 PM

Prairie Rattlesnake Coiled in Shade.JPG

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO.,LTD OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO.,LTD, C740UZ

10/2500 sec at f / 3.5

57.1 mm

ISO 157

Monday, January 1, 0001 12:00:00 AM

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710.2 kB

Scenic