The rattlesnake is a kind of snake known as a viper. It is famous for its tail that rattles and its poisonous bite. Although classic Western films have portrayed the rattlesnake as an aggressive enemy, most rattlesnakes are shy creatures that flee from encounters with people. Where rattlesnakes liveRattlesnakes live in a variety of habitats from Canada to South America. Most live in the United States, usually in dry regions. The best-known rattlesnakes in the United States include the timber rattlesnake in the Northeast and the eastern diamondback rattlesnake in the Southeast. Physical characteristicsMost rattlesnakes have triangular heads and gray, tan, or brown bodies with diamond-shaped patches or crossing diagonal bands. They range in length from about 1 foot (30 centimeters) to about 8 feet (2.5 meters). Rattlesnakes have a deep pit between each eye and nostril that senses heat. This pit helps the rattlesnake detect the presence of its prey, even in the dark. The tail rattle is made up of several loosely connected, cone-shaped, hollow segments. The buzzing sound of the rattle occurs when the snake shakes its muscular tail and the segments rapidly hit each other. Adult rattlesnakes typically have eight to ten segments, though some have longer rattles. One species of rattlesnake, the Santa Catalina rattlesnake, does not have a rattle. The eastern diamondback is one of the world's largest and most dangerous poisonous snakes. Its massive fangs can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in length. Some types of rattlesnakes are even more deadly, however. Among them is the neotropical rattlesnake of Central and South America, whose potent venom strongly attacks the nervous system. BehaviorRattlesnakes hunt by day or night. They feed on various rodents, lizards, and ground birds. To capture prey, rattlesnakes hide in rocks or under brush until they sense an animal. Then they lunge out in a sudden attack and stab their prey with their fangs. Large muscles squeeze venom through the fangs and into the stab wound to immobilize or kill the prey before it is swallowed. When threatened, a rattlesnake raises and rapidly vibrates its rattle. The buzzing sound warns intruders to retreat or risk being bitten. A rattlesnake can quickly strike from any position, even while moving, and a bite from a rattlesnake is serious and painful. Its venom contains toxins that destroy muscle tissue, cause internal bleeding, and make breathing difficult. Deaths from such bites are rare in the United States because medical treatment can stop the effects of the venom. Serious snakebites do occur every year, however. They are usually a result of people stepping on the snakes or trying to hold them. Life cycleRattlesnakes give birth to live young. Usually 6 to 24 young are born at a time. The life span of rattlesnakes varies in the wild, but in captivity they may live more than 20 years. |