The road we were on could almost have been called "Pygmy Rattler Road."



Actually there were many other herp species found on it, but it was a road that almost never failed to disclose from one to several dusky pygmy rattlesnakes that would vary in size from neonates (in season) to adults of 16 to 20 inch length. In other words, it was indeed a pygmy road.

It is the dusky pygmy rattlesnake, Sistrurus miliarius barbouri, that is found in our area (North Central Florida). They have a curious and rather spotty distribution: common in one area, virtually unknown only a few miles distant, and then common again in another nearby locale.

When startled and on the move they most often dart quickly for cover. However, if approached while in a basking coil they, as often as not, will coil more tightly, twitch their head and sometimes the entire body nervously, and rattle (for all the good this latter action does).

The rattle of even an adult pygmy is so small that unless your hearing is exceptional, you will often not hear the sound produced. If you still insist on bothering them they will strike, rapidly and accurately. Although the venom is not usually fatal to a healthy adult, a bite will be sufficiently painful (even with prompt medical intervention) to have you wondering why you were dumb or careless enough to be within striking range of this feisty little pit viper.

Always show them due respect!