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Environmentalnudes.com Feature of the Month June-July 2014
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Western Rattlesnake
Western Rattlesnakes
thrive during summer months in various shapes, forms and colors. Best
to be on the lookout while out traversing trails, especially in rocky
areas. Considered the most highly evolved of all snakes, Rattlesnakes
are a member of the Viperidae
(Vipers) family. Subspecies with habit in
Territory for
the Southern Pacific snakes covers west of the Sierra Nevada and from
Baja California north to British Columbia, Canada; extending from the
Pacific Ocean not much further east than San Luis Obispo or Kern
Counties here in the Golden State. Northern Pacific variety occupies
grounds west of the Rocky Mountains, from
The dangerously poisonous Viperidae
family occurs largely around the world with exception of
Australasia and Habitats for C. viridis include mountainous areas near 10,000 ft elevation all the way down to sea level. Western Rattlesnakes are inclined to rocky canyons and outcrops, cracks and crevices, grasslands and scrub zones, Pacific coast sand dunes, wooded areas, desert perimeters. While basking in the sun or out foraging, the snakes may climb into trees and bushes. They exercise swimming skills as well. During hibernation Rattlesnakes seek out caves, dried up wells or cisterns, animal burrows such as prairie dog towns. Sun compass orientation to all four points comes naturally to C. viridis based on innate homing ability. Using fixed angles, these snakes travel long distances yet are able to return to their dens when the time comes. They employ a keen sense of recollection for previously traversed grounds. Semi-permanent home ranges work well during the summer months’ primary feeding periods. Long migrations may indeed take place in spring and fall. Dens have been documented in use through successive generations. Fossil records highlight prior existence and allow correlation of characteristic traits and practices through successive generations.
Rattlesnakes normally emerge from overwinter hibernation between March
and May depending on individual locale and other factors. Once summer
concludes, after September return migration to hibernaculum proceeds.
Rattlers keep close to their dens during fall through to November,
where they may be found basking in the sun or engaged in light
foraging in preparation. In December, the snakes typically seek refuge
inside for good during the winter. Coiled together in bunches or lying
individually tough it out until next spring. Exceptions exist as in
scattered Large movable / retractable fangs coordinated with a sophisticated venom injection mechanism enable Rattlesnakes to seize and kill numerous prey. Warm blooded mammals prove favorites – squirrels, mice, gophers, rats, cottontail rabbits and comparable critters. Birds, toads, and small reptiles such as lizards provide additional nourishment. Vipers’ loreal pits furnish olfactory cues helpful in locating prey. Visual, infrared detection also gets used. Mix of proteins in the snakes’ venom acts rapidly on bodily tissues of victims. Fangs swing forward when mouths open to strike. Rattlesnakes are mostly nocturnal creatures during summer. During the spring and fall rattlers forage most often in morning, afternoons, or evening hours compared to at night as in the summer when the often sleep during the day. April-May Feature of the Month Click Here
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Not without predators, animals that consider C. viridis fair game include lynx cats, eagles, hawks, domestic hogs, wild turkeys, owls, jays and more. In their question for expansion humans have wrought the most damage to Rattlesnake populations in staking claims to wild lands. The namesake rattles are unique thus found in no other creatures to date. When agitated, a buzzing or rattling sound is made via a series of interlocking segments at the end of the tail. Each time a Rattlesnake sheds its skin, a new segment develops and gets added to the rattle. Mature rattlers normally shed once per year and juveniles more often. Newborn snakes do not have rattles and the feature does not count in measuring overall length.
Considered the most variable Rattlesnake in C. Viridis ideally mates in summer months from mid-July though to beginning of September, though sometimes in the spring as well. Males use their tracking skills for locating females, since courting usually happens within two days of females shedding their skins. Territorial males sometimes get involved in combat over desired females during peak mating season. Newborn snakes number in the 1-25 range and small reptiles serve as the primary food source for youngsters.
Both fascinating and scary, with all due caution Rattlesnakes deserve
a measure of respect in their natural habitat. While enjoying the
final days of summer it comes recommended to watch and listen
carefully to all that surrounds you while out in the wild. It almost
goes without saying: do not BBQ the snake!
In tune with local surrounds, whether at the woods, the beach or
another locale photographer Steve exhibits a sensitive nature {like a
sixth sense} for identifying and relating to creatures large and
small. That’s admirable
- thank goodness ;) -
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