rattlesnake

noun

1. Any of various venomous American snakes, of genera Crotalus and Sistrurus, having a rattle at the end of its tail.

   “Hooded rattlesnakes, horned toads, and lizards crawl in the dust and among the rocks.”

   “The country ran shuttles and posted signs encouraging visitors to enjoy the display responsibly, but those precautions didn't prevent rattlesnake bites, twisted ankles, heat exhaustion, Instacelebs and other selfie-takers lying in or otherwise trampling the delicate blooms they'd come to see.”

   “Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes strike when threatened or deliberately provoked, but given room they will retreat. Most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing. The majority of snakebites occur on the hands, feet and ankles.”