[genus Crotalus, (27 species), also genus Sistrurus (3 species)]
Rattlesnakes are native to North and South America and are among the most venomous snakes in the world. Some species can grow to more than 8 feet long but the famous Western Diamondback rarely exceeds 6 feet. Rattlesnakes figure in the cuisines of the U.S. Southwest and Mexico and are available from specialty meat stores, and I've seen them in at least one of the Asian markets here in Los Angeles. The flavor is similar to a free range chicken thigh but chewier. Photo © i0103 .
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