The timber rattler has a habit of frequently spending daylight time just beneath the edge of overhanging rocks. A hiker should always look beneath any rocks of this sort before using the rock as a resting place. PRAIRIE RATTLESNAKE (_Crotalus viridis_). Length 3-4 feet. This rattlesnake is common in western Kansas, where it frequents rocky open regions, grassy prairies, and agricultural areas. In eastern Kansas it has been found only in the Pittsburg vicinity, and any “prairie rattler” east of Wichita or Manhattan is usually the massasauga. The habit of denning in large groups is well-known. Several hundred have been found in hibernation in a single den. The food of the prairie rattler is warm-blooded, mostly rodents and small rabbits. It appears to be active in the daytime, whereas the other poisonous snakes are mainly nocturnal. The ground color varies from a light gray to green, and the pattern of dorsal blotches with alternating rows of lateral blotches may cause it to be confused with the smaller massasauga, but the scales on top of the head are all small on the prairie rattler, whereas paired plates are present on the massasauga (see diagram, page 6). [Illustration: Map] Young are born in late summer or early fall. Usually nine to twelve constitute a litter. As few as five and as many as seventeen have been recorded, however. It has been found that any one female prairie rattler gives birth to a litter of young every other year. These young are generally about twelve inches in length. This snake has a wide range over western United States, where it is probably the most common rattlesnake. It is frequently found in prairie dog villages. The burrows of these animals are utilized as shelter and the young are used as food items. Some Common Harmless Snakes The following six snakes are representative of the harmless snakes commonly and incorrectly thought to be poisonous by the general public. 1. HOG-NOSED SNAKE. Length 2-2½ feet. This is the “blow viper,” “spreadhead viper,” “spreading adder,” or other equally ill-named snake usually found in dry sandy areas. It has a threatening defensive bluff which consists of spreading the fore part of the body cobra-like, hissing and striking (but with mouth closed). Failing to intimidate its opponent, the snake will contort its body convulsively and roll onto its back—apparently dead. It will remain inert unless rolled over onto its stomach; then it will roll onto its back again—the only proper attitude for a dead snake!