It looks as if this could be a timber rattlesnake and these can grow up to 7 feet in length and live for up to 37 years! They have a distinctive large zig-zag pattern in a dark color on a paler brown/grey background. These snakes are excellent climbers and have been found up trees so it is hardly surprising that this one could get onto a sofa! They are usually found in forests, swamps, fields, and rocky areas and even though numbers appear to be declining, they are not considered to be under threat at the moment. Dallas sits at the edge of their historic range and they’re found across much of the Eastern United States, with large populations along the Appalachian Mountains. The humans shooting this video had every right to be concerned. Timber rattlesnakes are one of the more dangerous snakes in the US. They are large and powerful and have long fangs. They can use them to deliver a venom that causes pain and swelling. It also causes bleeding and neurological symptoms and in some cases, it can prove fatal. For this reason, you should always seek medical attention for a rattlesnake bite. However, these guys are not usually that aggressive. They would prefer to avoid humans – this one clearly thought the human family had left for good and got quite a shock when they came back! Before striking, the snake gives a series of warning rattles – which is exactly what the snake in this video is doing. Whilst rattlesnakes are quite commonly found in yards and gardens and even under houses, it is quite unusual to find one actually inside a house in the US. When they do come in, most have come in through the front door – just like the humans. This makes it quite easy to keep them out. You simply have to keep the door shut. They also get in during construction work when part of the fabric of the building has been removed. But on the whole, they would rather not be in your home at all so this is not something that you need to worry about. If you do spot one, stay away from it and call an expert in snakes to come and remove it humanely and release it in a safe place. Rattlesnake fan? Check these out: Woman Spots Extremely Rare Massive Rattlesnake on Trail Near Boston This Rattlesnake Is No Match for a Hungry Gator Timber Rattlesnake (Canebrake Rattlesnake)
