Rattlesnake Facts

They don't enthrall you just by their grace and agility. They are also famed for the fatal bites! Welcome to the world of the rattlesnakes that along with the Coral snake, the Copperhead, the Cottonmouth, Water Moccasin form the group of venomous snakes in United States that strike terror in our hearts. They have hemotoxic venom that destroys red blood cells, attacks tissues and dissolves organs of their victims. Rattlesnake bites if not treated on time is usually fatal. Although its poison gives us a reason to paint a negative picture of this serpent, the fact is that it spits its venom at human beings like every other poisonous snake only in self defense. If we could view it devoid of its 'killing' effect on human beings, the facts show that these are amazing creatures in their own right.

About Rattlesnakes

Types
Depending upon how they are classified, there are around 30 species of this reptile. Their categorization is mainly based on the pattern and color of the skin. However, all of them have common identifying traits like triangular heads and characteristic jointed rattles at the tip of their tail. Almost all of them fall within the Crotalus genus of snakes and belong to the family of pit vipers. Pit vipers have a pair of pits below their nostrils that enable them to detect heat that help them track their warm blooded preys. These pits are so sensitive that they help these snakes to even gauge the size of their prey.

Habitat
Rattlesnakes usually prefer dry areas. They are commonly found in deserts, mountains and forests. However, some species like the Eastern Diamond snake can also be found in relatively humid environment. In United States, these snakes are found mostly in the southwestern states, although they are also seen in small numbers in the north, eastern and southern areas of the country as well.

Physical Appearance
As already discussed, the identifying characteristic of these snakes is their jointed rattles at the end of their tail. Other than this, they have a broad, triangular head and eyes with vertical pupil just like cats. Like all other snakes, they are covered with scales that are differently colored and patterned as per the species. Their color may range from the usual green, black and brown to yellow, rust and light pink as well. Patterns like diamonds, as in the case of the Diamondback snakes and bands are also seen in certain varieties. These snakes have thick muscular bodies and grow up to 3 to 4 feet in length on average. One of the interesting Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake facts is that it is the largest rattlesnake that can grows up to 6 feet long.

Senses
We know that the pits at the base of the nostrils help these snakes to detect their prey. But how do they know where or in which direction is their prey in? Their elliptical pupils do aid them while hunting at night and enable them to see objects as far as 40 feet away, but it is their forked tongue that helps them pick up air particles that give them the hint which direction their prey is. Every time a rattlesnake folds its tongue back into his mouth, the air particles are transferred to the Jacobson's organ that carries the scent to the brain. The brain, then instructs the reptile which direction to proceed to. They lack external ears. They pick up vibrations through their muscles that are transmitted to the inner ear parts through their jaw bones.

Interesting Facts

The rattlesnake gets its name from the rattling noise that it produces by making the rattles strike against each other as the snake vibrates its tail. These are hollow bead like structures that are actually modified scales of the tail. Every time the snake sheds its skin, a new segment is added. A baby rattlesnake is born with a structure called the pre-button. When it sheds its skin for the first time, it loses this piece and a new rattle is added. These segments are made of keratin.

Some More Facts

• Rattlesnakes are cold blooded animals. Hence, they hibernate during the winter months.
• Though most of the different types of snakes lay eggs, these give birth to young ones that hatch from their eggs inside the mother's body.
• They attain sexual maturity at the age of 3 years.
• Rattlesnakes eat lizards and small rodents.
• King snakes, eagles and hawks are their natural predators.
• One of the interesting sidewinder facts is that unlike other snakes, its body moves more towards the side as it covers ground.

Although the facts about the potency of its venom has earned it a bad name, being a snake it adheres to the fact about snakes that venom is a precious commodity. Other than preying, it uses the venom only when threatened.