• Spring Break Alert

    The Zoo anticipates high attendance through April, especially on sunny, warm days. For safety and guest experience, the Zoo may limit admission once parking reaches capacity. This will not only help with crowd management but will also provide a more relaxed and enjoyable visit for guests and their loved ones. Consider arriving early or carpooling, and check our site / social pages often for more updates!

Open Today: 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Location map
Sidewinder

Sidewinder

Common Name:
Sidewinder
Scientific Name:
Crotalus cerastes
Habitats:
  • Desert
  • Rocky Areas
  • Shrubland
About:

Did you know female sidewinders are much larger than males? Learn more about sidewinders.

Care & Wellness:

For the sidewinder, we provide an annual light cycle that replicates the seasonal changes in daylight in the wild. The nocturnal hallway in Desert is also on a reverse light cycle meaning it is nighttime in the hall during the day.

Behavior:
  • Often sit just under the sand, waiting to ambush prey.
  • Named for their "sidewinding" form of locomotion.
  • Sidewinders often bite and release venom into their prey, and then track it by scent.
Endangered Status
  • Extinct in Wild
  • Critically Endangered
  • Endangered
  • Vulnerable
  • Near Threatened
  • Least Concern
  • Not Evaluated
Fun Facts:
  • The track they leave in the sand resembles the letter "J" and the bottom of the J indicates travel direction.
  • Their activity decreases in the cooler winter months.
  • Bites from sidewinders are rarely fatal to humans, but should be attended to immediately.
  • Females are much larger than males.
A sidewinder rattlesnake coiled up between rocks.

Related Resources

desert habitat

The Desert Habitat

The Desert is a glass-domed building designed to recreate an arid, colorful desert. Walk among free-flight birds, towering saguaros and watch the racing roadrunners.