Snake - description, characteristics, structure. What does a snake look like? Rattlesnakes: poisonous or not, where they are found, why they were called that. Where are rattlesnakes found?

The rattlesnake is one of the most dangerous reptiles, whose venom can quickly kill a person. There are many rumors about her.

In this article we will take a closer look at what it is and where you should be on guard to avoid an unwanted meeting with it.

What it looks like and why it was called that

Rattlesnake in the broadest sense of the term refers to the entire subfamily of pit snakes. They are called pitheads because of the two heat-sensitive pits between the eyes and nostrils.

By the way, with a rattle on the tail that makes a fairly loud rustling noise, there are only 2 species of rattlers: true and dwarf.

Did you know?Sometimes, in attacks of panic, a pit snake begins to bite everything around, including itself, but its own poison is not dangerous for the reptile itself.

Peculiarities appearance rattlesnakes are:

• reptiles within the subfamily can differ in both the colors of almost all the colors of the rainbow and patterns (rattlers are rarely found completely of the same color), and in length, which varies from 0.5 m (ciliated viper) to 3.5 m (bushmaster);
• the pattern is mainly formed by intertwined thick stripes or diamonds;
• These representatives of reptiles have a wedge-shaped head with small eyes and two long, hollow, poisonous teeth;
• Rattlers' pupils are vertical;
• Thanks to the heat-sensitive dimples on its muzzle, the snake recognizes its prey well in the dark due to the temperature difference between the prey and the environment. These receptors are capable of detecting a difference of 0.1 °C.
• at the end of the tail there are ring-shaped horns, which, as mentioned above, are not capable of producing a noticeable sound in everyone. The “rattle” of rattlers is formed during molting. The skin peels off the body and, curling up into a ring, remains at the tip of the tail. Thus, segment by segment, the rattle of the reptile grows. Over time, the number of segments will add up in such a way that the rattle will have enough rings to produce a characteristic sound. Gradually, some rings fall off, and others appear in their place. The horns are hollow inside and rub against each other freely, which gives rise to their characteristic sound. It is because of this feature that the subfamily of pitheads was called rattlesnakes.

Is a bite dangerous: the effects of poison on humans

The bite of a rattlesnake is considered extremely dangerous to humans. It is difficult to predict how the poison will affect a particular person, since the result is influenced by many factors, ranging from the location of the bite (the closer to the brain, the more dangerous) and ending with the psychophysical state of the victim.

The release of a toxin into the blood can lead to anaphylactic shock, kidney failure, difficulty breathing, internal hemorrhage and death. In the USA alone, an average of 10 to 15 people die per year (one should take into account the prevalence of the antidote in those states where rattlers live).

Among the common mistakes when providing first aid is trying to disinfect a wound with alcohol, which actually has the opposite effect. Alcohol expands blood vessels, and the poison is absorbed faster. Amputation of the bitten limb may also be unsuccessful.

Important!The only real treatment is the injection of anti-snake venom serum.

If you are bitten, you must do the following:

1. The first step is to move the affected person away from the attack site to prevent further bites.
2. Call an ambulance or go yourself to a medical center where they can provide assistance.
3. The bite victim should move as little as possible, as this increases body temperature, which will only worsen the situation.
4. Remove any jewelry or clothing that may constrict the limbs.
5. Rinse the wound with water.
6. It is better to keep the bite area below the level of the heart.
7. If available, administer the anti-snake serum yourself.

Where does the rattlesnake live?

Pitheads live in very different conditions. There are species that live in desert or mountainous areas, in the jungle, and there are even several aquatic representatives.

Rattlers are most widespread in Southeast Asia (69 species) and in North and South America (106 species). Cottonmouths can be found on both hemispheres of the Earth, including Far East And Central Asia.

The eastern cottonmouth lives in Japan, China and Korea, and the Himalayan is found at altitudes up to 5000 m above sea level. The habitat of rattlers also includes Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Indochina, Java and Sumatra.

Rattlesnakes are active at night, in part to avoid heat burns. They often hide in burrows of small rodents, under fallen trees or under stones.
Before the onset of cold weather, reptiles come out of their shelters to bask in the sun. Pregnant snakes do this especially often. Most wintering species prefer to gather in one place with their own kind to simplify heating during hibernation.

Did you know?The rattlesnake may die at a temperature environment over +45 °C.

What does it eat?

Rattlers are predators by nature. They feed mainly on small rodents, although their diet also includes birds, frogs, lizards, small snakes, rabbits, grasshoppers, cicadas and even fish.

Pitheads infect prey with poison, acting from an ambush. At the moment before the attack, the reptile’s neck bends in the shape of the Latin letter “S”, and the muzzle is directed towards the victim. The length of the throw is usually about a third of the body length.

It feeds on average once a week, consuming prey equal to half its own weight.

Who hunts the snakes themselves

Natural enemies of rattlers are hawks, vultures, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, ferrets, some large species of snakes (for example, mussurans), hedgehogs, weasels, and martens. This is due to the fact that the venom of pitheads does not act at all or has a weak effect on these animals.

Animals that eat rattlesnakes also include pigs, through which subcutaneous fat It is very difficult for poisonous teeth to break through. Even California running cuckoos can become a threat to the population.

And the most dangerous enemy for the described reptiles, of course, is the person himself, who hunts them for their skin. And in some states of the USA and in the countries of Southeast Asia, snake meat is considered a delicacy and is in demand.

Reproduction

In April-May (that is, after wintering), these snakes mate. Often the seed is stored in the female until the next season. Most pitheads are viviparous, but there are also many species that lay eggs.

Ordinary rattlesnake or rattlesnake (Latin name "Crotalus durissimus") - a species of reptiles, order Scaly, family Viper, subfamily Pitcapaceae.

Appearance
Home distinctive feature the common snake (like all representatives of this genus) - the presence of a special rattle or rattle at the end of the tail, consisting of a series of horny cones nested into each other and sitting on the last 6-8 caudal vertebrae, expanded and fused together. The ratchet represents a modification of the tail scales. The cones that make up the rattle are not formed during molting, and their number does not correspond to the number of molts.

Common body length rattling The snake reaches 1.6 meters (the largest specimens reach 2 meters) in length. From above, the snake's body is gray-brown with irregular black stripes. The body below is yellowish-white with small black dots.

Lifestyle

Common rattlesnakes live primarily in uninhabited, dry, rocky areas where there is water nearby. It settles mainly in the burrows of rodents and shore swallows, expanding them if necessary, as well as under stones. It is nocturnal, although it often basks in the sun. The rattlesnake feeds on small mammals, birds and amphibians.

The rattlesnake is lazy and motionless, although it can crawl quickly in pursuit of prey. The breeding season for rattlesnakes begins in the spring, and the snakes often gather in large balls, like common vipers. In August, the female lays eggs, from which young snakes emerge within a few minutes.

Habitat

The common rattlesnake is widely distributed across the North American continent from the Gulf of Mexico to 46° north latitude. In the western part of the United States of America is located greatest number representatives of this reptile species. In the eastern part of the continent, the rattlesnake is practically not common in the north.

Danger!!!

The rattlesnake itself does not attack humans. When approached, it curls up in a ring, raises its head and tail and strongly moves its rattle, emitting a characteristic rustling noise, which is often heard while crawling. Thus, the snake warns people of danger. If you move away from the snake at this time, it will maintain its threatening pose for some time, and then calmly crawl away, but if you get confused and approach it, then a bite is inevitable. During an attack, the rattlesnake opens its mouth wide, thrusting its poisonous teeth forward. Even the thickest jeans will not save you from a rattlesnake bite, since the snake has quite long and sharp teeth.

I rattlers snakes have a neuroparalytic effect on the human body. A few hours after the bite, dizziness, nausea, profuse sweating. Later, breathing becomes difficult and heart problems arise. If you consult a doctor in time, the bitten person can be saved. Full recovery occurs only 2-3 weeks after treatment.

Description

Like other members of the family, pitheads have a pair of relatively long, hollow, poisonous teeth used to secrete venom. The head is usually triangular in shape, the pupils of the eyes are vertical. For more details, see the Viperidae page.

Pitheads get their name from two thermoreceptor pits on the head, located between the nostril and the eye. These pits are sensitive to infrared radiation and allow snakes to recognize their prey by the difference in temperature between the prey and the environment. These receptors are able to perceive even very slight changes in air temperature, about 0.1°C. For snakes, rodents and birds have significantly more high temperature, and the snake recognizes it even in pitch darkness. Like primitive eyes, these pits allow the snake to select and attack prey with great precision. Since pitheads, like other representatives of the viper family, prefer to hunt at night from an ambush, this quality helps them well. Among other snakes, only boas have a similar sensitive apparatus. The size of pit vipers varies greatly from the eyelash viper (Bothriechis schlegelii), a maximum of 50 cm, to the bushmaster (Lachesis muta), which reaches a length of 3.5 meters in length.

The common Russian name "rattlesnakes" comes from the presence of a rattle at the end of the tail in two North American genera of pitheads (Crotalus and Sistrurus). This rattle consists of modified scales forming movable segments. A peculiar “rattle” sound occurs when the segments collide due to vibrations of the tip of the tail.

Lifestyle

Pitheads are a very versatile group, its representatives live from deserts (for example, rattlesnakes), to high mountains and humid jungles (bothrops athrox), and there are even aquatic species (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Some species prefer to live in trees, others on the ground, and some live at altitudes above 1000 meters above sea level. With the exception of a few species that are active around the clock, such as the species Trimeresurus trigonocephalus, snakes are primarily nocturnal, preferring to avoid the burn of daytime temperatures and hunt when their prey is also active. During the day they usually hide under stones or in rodent burrows. These snakes' heat-sensitive pits also help them find cooler places to rest.

The main animals that pitheads feed on are vertebrates, mainly mammals.

Pitheads usually patiently wait for an unripe victim to come from somewhere in ambush. At least one species, the arboreal Gloydius shedaoensis from China, selects the same ambush site and returns to it every year during the spring bird migration. Research shows that these snakes are constantly improving their attack abilities.

Many species (such as rattlesnakes) choose to hibernate together, where they receive more warmth from each other and where they hibernate. In cold weather and during pregnancy, snakes like to bask in the sun. Some species, such as the moccassin snake (Agkistrodon contortrix), do not cluster together.

Like other snakes, pit vipers only attack humans when cornered or threatened. Smaller snakes are less able to defend themselves than larger ones. Pollution and logging tropical forests caused a significant decline in the population of these snakes. People also attack snakes and hunt for their skin. Also, many snakes die under the wheels of cars.

Reproduction

With a few exceptions, pitheads are ovoviviparous—that is, live young rupture their egg membranes within minutes of laying an egg. Among the oviparous species there are Lachesis, Calloselasma and some other species. All oviparous snakes carefully guard their eggs. The brood ranges from 2 to 86 (Bothrops atrox) young, depending on the species. Many young snakes have brightly colored tails that contrast sharply with the rest of their body. Using their tails, juveniles make special movements to attract unsuspecting prey.

Links

• Gumprecht, A. & F. Tillack (2004) A proposal for a replacement name of the snake genus Ermia Zhang, 1993. Russian Journal of Herpetology 11: 73-76.
• Wright & Wright (1957), Handbook of Snakes Volume II, Comstock Publishing Associates, Seventh Printing 1985.

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See what “Rattlesnake” is in other dictionaries:

Noun, number of synonyms: 3 rattlesnake (2) rattlesnake (4) snake (72) ASIS Dictionary of Synonyms ... Synonym dictionary

RATTLESHY, ah, her; uch (obsolete). Producing loud sounds, thundering. G. waterfall. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

- (Crotalus) a genus of poisonous snakes from the suborder Tubular-toothed (Solenoglypha), family of pitheads (Crotalidae). This includes 6 species of American snakes, distinguished by a special rattle or rattle at the end of the tail, consisting of a series of nested... ... encyclopedic Dictionary F. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron

rattlesnake- A tropical poisonous snake, some species of which have horny rings at the end of the tail that make a rustling sound when moving... Dictionary of many expressions

Crotalus cascavella, Striped Rattlesnake- Syn.: Crotalus horridus Crotalus horridus Belongs to the family of pit rattlesnakes (crotalids). Lives in the southern regions of the USA. In a threatening pose, with rapid vibrations of the tip of the tail with a rattle of horny sheaths, it produces a characteristic dry... ... Handbook of Homeopathy

Lachesis mutus - Lachesis mutus, Bushmaster Surukuku, Rattlesnake, Kuffiya- From the family of crotalids, rattlesnakes. In a threatening pose, with rapid vibrations of the tip of the tail with a rattle of horny sheaths, it produces a characteristic dry crackling sound, audible at a distance of up to 30 m. Distributed in Central and South America. During the day... ... Handbook of Homeopathy

Noun, g., used. often Morphology: (no) whom? snakes, anyone? snake, (see) who? snake, by whom? snake, about whom? about the snake; pl. Who? snakes, (no) who? snakes, anyone? snakes, (see) whom? snake, by whom? snakes, about whom? about snakes 1. A snake is a reptile (crawling)… … Dmitriev's Explanatory Dictionary

SNAKE, snakes, many. snakes, female 1. A reptile with a long, sinuous scaly body, a long tongue forked at the end, often with poisonous teeth (zool.). Rattlesnake. Spectacled snake. Poisonous snakes. The snake bit (so they say, although... ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

Echidna, echidina, viper, asp, snake, angry, snake, gorgonian, snake Dictionary of Russian synonyms. snake see angry Dictionary of synonyms of the Russian language. Practical guide. M.: Russian language. Z. E. Alexandrova. 2011… Synonym dictionary

Snake (Crotalus) is a genus of poisonous snakes from the suborder of the tubular-toothed snakes (Solenoglypha), the family of pitheads (Crotalidae). This includes 6 species of American snakes, distinguished by a special rattle or rattle at the end of the tail, consisting of a series of nested... ... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

Rattlesnakes are among the most venomous in the world. The venom of the Brazilian rattlesnake claimed 75 lives out of 100 people bitten. However, a rattlesnake is not always dangerous and scary. The photos and videos presented in our article will tell you about all this.

Of course, the use of a special serum significantly reduces these numbers of victims, but the fact remains that the Rattlesnake is very dangerous and it is still better not to disturb it.

It may not occur to many that these reptiles have a very timid character. Everyone imagines them as creatures waiting for the right moment to bite and inject their deadly poison. A rattlesnake bites only in cases of self-defense, when, in its opinion, it is in danger.

There are 32 species of rattlesnakes in the world. The most famous is the diamond one, which is the giant of this species. It reaches a length of more than 260 cm. There are also horned and the most poisonous - dwarf ones. Despite their modest size (no more than 60 cm in length), their venom acts extremely quickly and is the most powerful of the venoms of all species of rattlesnakes.

Most rattlesnakes live in semi-arid and desert areas of Mexico and the southern United States. Their diet consists mainly of mice and rats. But they are excellent at hunting frogs, lizards and small birds.

The rattlesnake moves in a peculiar way, making loop-like crawling movements. This allows her to move quickly through the sand without falling through or getting stuck in it.

Rattlesnakes only attack when they sense danger. This is especially true for humans. But before the snake attacks, it will shake its rattle, making a frightening sound. If this does not help, the snake may attack.

If warning and the first, frightening attack are not enough, then only then will she use poison.

Listen to the voice of a rattlesnake

The rattle consists of durable keratinized rings of skin. The older the snake, the more impressive its rattle will be, as a new connection is formed during molting.

Did you know...

— The most powerful poison is that of the Brazilian rattlesnake.
- When a rattlesnake feels threatened or anxious, it shakes its rattle up to 40-60 times per second.
— The rattle consists of keratin. Human nails and hair are made of it.
— Many rattlesnakes often share housing with other snakes.
— Rattlesnakes are not susceptible to their venom.
- There is a species of rattlesnake (Katalinski) that does not have ... - rattles.
- IN wildlife In snakes, the rattle usually consists of 14 rings, and in snakes living in the zoo - from 29.

Surely many have heard about such a reptile as rattlesnake, so named because of the fearsome rattle that crowns the tip of its tail. Not everyone knows that the poisonousness of this snake family is simply off the charts; there are many deaths from rattlesnake bites. But what is the character, lifestyle and habits of this poisonous person? Maybe, having learned about this in more detail, this reptile will no longer seem so scary and insidious?

Origin of the species and description

Rattlesnakes are venomous creatures belonging to the family. They are classified as a subfamily of pit snakes due to the fact that in the area located between the nostrils and eyes of reptiles there are pits that are hypersensitive to temperature conditions and infrared radiation. These devices help to sense the presence of prey precisely by its body temperature, which differs from the temperature of the surrounding air. Even in pitch darkness, a rattlesnake will sense the slightest change in temperature and detect potential prey.

Video: Rattlesnake

So, one of the main characteristics of rattlesnakes or rattlesnakes, or pitheads, is the above-described pit receptors. Then the question arises: “Why is the snake called a rattlesnake?” The fact is that some varieties of this creeping creature have a rattle at the end of the tail, consisting of movable scales, which, when shaken by the tail, produce a sound reminiscent of crackling.

Interesting fact: Not all rattlesnakes have a tail rattle, but those who do not have it are still classified as rattlesnakes (pit rattlesnakes).

There are two genera of reptiles that can undoubtedly be classified as rattlesnakes: true rattlesnakes (Crotalus) and pygmy rattlesnakes (Sistrurus).

Their closest relatives include:

• Cottonmouths;
• spear-headed snakes;
• temple keffiyehs;
• bushmasters.

In general, the subfamily of pitheads has 21 genera and 224 snake species. The genus of true rattlers consists of 36 species.

Let's describe some of them:

• The Texas rattlesnake is very large, its length reaches two and a half meters, and its weight is about seven kilograms. He inhabits and the south;
• the monstrous rattlesnake, also of considerable size, reaching a length of two meters, is registered in the west of Mexican territory;
• the diamondback rattlesnake is very beautifully colored with contrasting diamonds, and its dimensions are impressive - up to 2.4 m. The snake inhabits Florida (USA) and is fertile, producing up to 28 offspring;
• The horned rattlesnake is distinguished by skin folds located above the eyes, which are similar to horns; they prevent sand from getting into the snake's eyes. This reptile is not large in size; its body length ranges from 50 to 80 cm;
• The striped rattlesnake lives in the southern part of the United States, it is very dangerous, its concentrated venom can be fatal to the one bitten;
• the rock rattlesnake, less than a meter long (about 80 cm), lives in the southern part of the States and in Mexican territory. Its venom is very potent, but its character is not aggressive, so there are not many victims of bites.

The genus of dwarf rattlers includes only a couple of species:

• The millet pygmy rattlesnake inhabits the southeast of the North American continent, its length is about 60 cm;
• the chain rattlesnake (massasauga) has chosen Mexico, the USA and the southern part of Canada. The length of the snake’s body is no more than 80 cm.

Appearance and features

Snakes of the pit family have different sizes; depending on a particular variety, the length of their body can be from half a meter to more than three meters.

The coloring also has different variations and tones; rattlers can be:

• beige;
• bright green;
• emerald;
• white;
• silver;
• black;
• brownish-red;
• yellowish;
• dark brown.

Uniformity in color is present, but is much less common; specimens with various patterns predominate: diamond-shaped, striped, spotted. Some species generally have original patterns of various intricacies.

Of course there is also common features in rattlers, not related to one or another species and place of residence of the reptile. This is a wedge-shaped head, a pair of long poisonous fangs, sensitive locator pits and a rattle or rattle with which the tail is equipped (do not forget that individual species she is absent). The rattle is presented in the form of a growth of dead skin scales; with each moult, their number increases, but the age of the snake cannot be determined from them, because the outermost scales of the rattle gradually completely fly off the tail.

The reptile uses the rattle for warning purposes; it scares large animals and humans with it, thereby saying that it is better to avoid it, as rattlers show a kind of humanity.

Where does the rattlesnake live?

Judging by the research of herpetologists, one second of all rattlesnakes have chosen the American continent (approximately 106 species). 69 species have settled in southeast Asia. Only copperheads inhabit both hemispheres of the Earth. There are two species of copperheads living in our country - the common and the oriental, they are registered in, and live in the territory of Central Asia. The eastern one can be found in the open spaces, and where the local population actively uses it for food.

The common copperhead has also become a favorite in Korea and China; the humpbacked copperhead can be found in and around the world. Smooth takes , and . It is not difficult to guess that the Himalayan copperhead lives in the massifs, climbing to a height of five kilometers.

All kinds of keffiyehs are deployed in the countries of the Eastern Hemisphere, the largest of which is the one and a half meter khaba inhabiting Japan. Mountain keffiyehs live on the Indochina peninsula and in the Himalayan mountain ranges, and bamboo ones live in the territories of India and India.

So, both wet and high mountain ranges and arid ones are not alien to pitheads. There are also aquatic varieties of these. Rattlers live in the crowns of trees, on the ground, and high in the mountains. During the day, when the heat prevails, they do not leave their shelters, located under boulders, in rocky crevices, and various burrows. In search of the most favorable and secluded place to rest, reptiles use the same sensitive locator pits that do not let them down.

What does a rattlesnake eat?

The menu of pitheads is quite varied, it consists of:

• rats;
• birds;
• lizards;
• all kinds of insects;
• other small snakes.

The young feed on insects and attract lizards and frogs with their bright tip of the tail. Rattlers have a lot of patience; they can wait a long time for a potential victim, hiding in ambush. As soon as it approaches the required distance, which is suitable for throwing, the snake’s neck bends and attacks the poor thing with lightning speed. The length of the throw reaches a third of the reptile's body length.

Like all viper relatives, pit vipers do not use any suffocating techniques on the victim, but kill it with their poisonous bite. As already mentioned, in impenetrable darkness, their thermal trapping pits help them detect prey, which sense even the slightest change in temperature instantly, thanks to which rattlers see the infrared silhouette of the prey. After the poisonous blow has been successfully completed, the snake begins its meal, always swallowing the lifeless body from the head.

In one sitting, a rattlesnake can eat a considerable amount of food, which is half the mass of the hunter herself. This is not surprising, because rattlers eat approximately once a week, so they go out hunting when they are pretty hungry. It takes a lot of time to digest, which is why the breaks between meals are so long. Reptiles also need water; they get some of the moisture from the food they catch, but they don’t have enough of it. Snakes drink in a unique way: they immerse their lower jaw in water, thus feeding the body with the necessary liquid through the capillaries of the mouth.

Interesting fact: Often rattlers in captivity go on a hunger strike; they are not even bothered by rodents running past. There are cases where reptiles have not eaten for more than one year.

Features of character and lifestyle

The diversity of rattlers is so great that their permanent locations are completely different territories. Some species practice a terrestrial existence, others are arboreal, others are aquatic, and many occupy mountain ranges. Still, they can be called heat-loving; the average optimal temperature for them is from 26 to 32 degrees plus. They can also survive a short cold snap of up to 15 degrees.

With the arrival of cold weather, snakes hibernate, all their life processes slow down very much. Many species of rattlesnake form large aggregations (up to 1000 pieces) to make it easier to survive hibernation. When they all come out of suspended animation at the same time, you can observe a kind of snake invasion, this is a terrifying sight. Some species overwinter alone.

Snakes, especially those in position, love to bask in the rays of the first sun. In unbearable heat, they prefer to hide in secluded shady places: under stones, in holes, under dead wood. In such hot weather, they begin to be active at dusk, getting out of their shelter.

Interesting fact: Many species of rattlesnake settle in the same den for entire generations, passing it on by inheritance for many years. Often entire colonies of snakes live in such ancestral possessions.

These reptiles do not have an aggressive disposition; they will not attack a person or large animal without a reason. With their rattle they give a warning that they are armed and dangerous, but an attack will not follow unless they are provoked. When there is nowhere to go, the rattlesnake makes its poisonous attack, which can lead to the death of the enemy. In the United States alone, 10 to 15 people die from rattlesnake bites every year. In regions where snakes are common, many people carry an antidote with them, otherwise there would be many more victims. So, the rattlesnake attacks only in extreme situations, for the purpose of self-defense, having a timid and peaceful disposition.

It should be noted that the rattlesnake's vision is not its strongest point; it sees objects blurry if they are not in motion and reacts only to moving objects. Its main and very sensitive organs are the sensory pits, which react even to minute changes in temperature near the reptile.

Social structure and reproduction

For the most part, rattlers are viviparous, but there are some species that are oviparous. A sexually mature male snake is ready for annual mating games, and the female takes part in them once every three years. The wedding season can be in spring or early autumn, it depends on the species and habitat of the snake.

When a lady is ready to be courted by gentlemen, she releases specific-smelling pheromones that attract potential partners. The male begins to pursue his passion, sometimes they crawl and rub their bodies against each other for several days. It happens that more than one gentleman claims the heart of a woman, so duels take place between them, where the chosen one is the winner.

Interesting fact: The female can store the male’s sperm until the next wedding season, that is, she can have offspring without the participation of a male individual.

Ovoviviparous snakes do not lay eggs; they develop in utero. Usually between 6 and 14 babies are born. Oviparous rattlers in a brood can have from 2 to 86 eggs (usually 9 - 12 pieces), which they tirelessly protect from any attacks.

At approximately ten days of age, the babies undergo their first molt, as a result of which a rattle begins to form. The tails of young animals are often very brightly colored, standing out sharply against the background of the entire body. Snakes, moving these bright tips, lure lizards and frogs to them for a snack. On average, the life of rattlesnakes in natural conditions lasts from 10 to 12 years, there are specimens that live up to twenty. In captivity, rattlers can live up to thirty years.

Natural enemies of rattlesnakes

Although pitheads are poisonous and have a terrifying rattle on their tail, many ill-wishers themselves hunt them in order to feast on the reptiles.

Rattlers can become victims of:

• redtails;
• large snakes;
• California running cuckoos;
• peacocks

Most often, inexperienced young animals suffer and die from the attacks of the above enemies. Snake venom either has no effect on opponents of rattlers or has a very weak effect, so attacking animals and birds are not very afraid of it.

Interesting fact: A case was shown on television in which a fisherman caught a large trout, in whose stomach there was a swallowed rattlesnake more than half a meter long.

It is always sad to realize that humans have a detrimental effect on many fauna. Rattlesnakes are no exception to this list and are also often killed as a result of human intervention. People destroy reptiles, both directly, by hunting them in order to obtain beautiful snake skins, and indirectly, through their various activities that interfere with the normal life of rattlers.

In addition to all the enemies mentioned, snake individuals are greatly influenced by climatic conditions, which are sometimes very unfavorable and harsh. Especially young animals often do not survive cold times.

Population and species status

Unfortunately, the rattlesnake population is gradually declining. And the main reason for this situation is the human factor. People are invading the territories where these reptiles have always lived and displacing them, developing ever larger spaces. Deforestation, drainage of wetlands, large-scale plowing of land for agricultural needs, urban sprawl, construction of new highways, deterioration of the ecological situation, and depletion of the food supply lead to a reduction in rattlesnake insects. In some areas where they used to be common, they are now practically non-existent. All this suggests that the situation there is unfavorable for reptiles.

Humans harm rattlers not only through their barbaric actions, but also directly when they hunt snakes purposefully. The hunt is carried out in pursuit of beautiful snake skin, from which expensive shoes are made, bags and purses are sewn. In many countries (especially Asian ones), rattlesnake meat is eaten and many different dishes are prepared from it.

Surprisingly, common domestic pigs are immune to the venomous bites of rattlesnakes, apparently due to the fact that they are very thick-skinned. They happily feast on rattlers if they manage to catch them. For this purpose, farmers often release entire herds of pigs into the fields, which is why the reptiles also die. Rattlesnake populations have been in constant decline, leaving some species very rare and considered endangered, which is troubling.

Rattlesnake conservation

As mentioned, some species of rattlesnakes are on the verge of extinction. One of the rarest rattlesnake reptiles in the whole world is considered to be the monochromatic rattlesnake, living on the exotic island of Aruba. It is listed as a critically endangered species on the IUCN Red List. Scientists believe that there are no more than 250 individuals left, and the number continues to fall. The main reason is the lack of territory, which is almost completely occupied by people. The protective actions to save this species are as follows: the authorities banned the export of the reptile from the island, a national park Arikok, whose area is about 35 square kilometers. And currently underway Scientific research, aimed at preserving this species of rattlesnake, the authorities are conducting explanatory work on this matter among tourists and the indigenous population.

The rattlesnake of Santa Catalina Island, which belongs to Mexico, is also considered. It is endemic; the uniqueness of the reptile is manifested in the fact that nature did not endow it with a rattle. Wild cats living on the island cause great damage to the population of these rattlers. In addition, the deer hamster, which was considered the main source of food for these snakes, has become very rare. In order to preserve these unique reptiles, a program is being implemented on the island to reduce the number of wild cats.

The Steinger Rattlesnake, named after the herpetologist Leonard Steinger, is considered a very rare species. She lives in the mountains in the west of the Mexican state. Rare species include the small-sized striated rattlesnake, which inhabits the central part of Mexico. All that remains is to prevent further deterioration in the life of these rare rattlesnakes and hope that protective measures will bear fruit. Even if it is not possible to achieve an increase in their number, then at least let it remain stable.

To summarize, I would like to note that rattlesnakes in all their diversity are not so terrible, harsh and merciless as many people say about them. It turns out that their disposition is meek and their character is calm. The main thing is not to act as an aggressor when meeting this amazing snake person, so as not to force her to start defending. Rattlesnake she will not be the first to attack without a reason; she will humanely warn the enemy with her unique rattle.