Sistrurus miliarius barbouri
Average size: 12-24 inches; Record 31 inches. Young are 6-7 inches at
birth.
Range: Throughout Florida.
Diet: Mice, frogs, lizards and snakes.
Status: Common, found in lowland pinewoods, prairies, around lakes and ponds, and near freshwater marshes and cypress swamps. I have encountered the Pygmy Rattlesnake more than any other snake except maybe the Black Racer.
Its bite is not usually life threatening, however it can be very painful and tissue loss is common. A bite victim should seek immediate care at a hospital or doctor with snake bite treatment experience.
