California Kingsnake Fight Agains A Rattlesnake

Contrary to popular myth, rattlesnakes are not deaf. In fact, the structure of their inner ears is very much like that of other reptiles. They do, however, lack external ears. Sound (whether from air or ground vibration) is transmitted to the snake's inner ear via vibrations in other body structures.
Range
Rattlesnakes are native to the Americas, with the large majority of species in the American Southwest and Mexico. The state of Arizona in particular has more species than any other state. Four species may be found east of the Mississippi river, and only 2 in South America.