Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes are a common venomous snake renowned for the rattles on their tails, which alert other nearby animals of their presence and agitation. They are found throughout the American west, their natural habitat ranging from hot arid plains to cool mountain outcrops.

In Red Dead Redemption, rattlesnakes can be hunted and skinned for snake skin that can later be sold to merchants for cash. Ingame, they are very deadly; being bitten by one will result in Marston having very low health; a second bite or attack from another animal will kill him. It is also quite difficult to spot one, making it a dangerous enemy.

They are well known for hiding under bushes and attacking at the most unexpected of times.

When approached, Rattlesnakes will start making hissing or rattling noises until the threat backs away. This can be used to effectively track one down and kill it.

Stats

 * Length: 3' 5 to 8'
 * Weight: Up to 20 lbs

Locations

 * Found occasionally in the Great Plains region, just to the west of Blackwater along the road leading in to it.

Trivia

 * Although Rattlesnakes are found in the northern territories, in Red Dead Redemption, they keep their brown and tan coloration. Their real life counterparts are almost all black in the colder territories to absorb more heat from sun light.
 * The picture above states the Rattlesnakes have "lethal neurotoxic venom" (paralyzes prey and stops the heart) while real life Rattlesnakes actually have hemotoxic venom (either prevents any blood clotting or blood circulation).
 * Rattlesnakes are capable of knocking the player down.
 * Due to their small size compared to the rest of the animals and world, rattlesnakes don't need detailed animations and modeling. Therefore, rattlesnakes in the game appear slightly boxy when zoomed in on and their animations are very simple.