Rattlers

Rattlers

INTRODLCTION While most snakes are harmless, there are a few that can strike with a deadly bite. Rattlesnakes, commonly known as rattlers, are some of the most feared of these deadly snakes. But before you get the wrong idea about rattlers, let's set the record straight. Snakes don't go around looking for someone to bite. In fact, most snakes, including rattlers, would rather avoid people. And also, most people who are bitten by rattlesnakes do not die from the bite.

You should also know that snakes have an important role to play among living creatures. Rattlers eat rodents such as rats and mice. Since many rodents carry diseases and destroy valuable crops and property, rattlesnakes help humans by keeping the number of rodents under control. So the next time you think bad things about rattlesnakes, don't forget the good they do.

WHERE RATTLERS LIVE All of the world's rattlesnakes are found in North and South America. They live in almost every state of the United States, in every South American country, and throughout southern Canada. Their habitat

includes swamps, deserts, prairies, forests, and mountains. The greatest numbers of rattlesnakes are found in the deserts and dry areas of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like all reptiles, rattlesnakes are cold- blooded. This means their body temperature goes up and down with the temperature around them. Because they can't keep their bodies warm, rattlers spend the winter hibernating in dens below the ground. For the most part, rattlers are loners, but during hibernation, hundreds can gather in the same den. As spring begins, rattlesnakes crawl out of their dens to bask in the sun. As the sun warms their bodies, the rattlers become more active and get ready to spend the summer hunting. You are most likely to see rattlesnakes when the temperature is 21° to 30°C (70°-90°F). In areas where it gets really hot during the day, rattlers must find shady places to stay cool. They often like to lie under rocks, bushes, cactuses, and trees.

HOW RATTLERS HUNT Rattlers belong to a group of snakes called pit vipers. Pit vipers have deep, heat-sensing pits below their eyes. The pits detect the body heat of rodents, birds, and other prey. A rattler can detect the heat of a candle flame from as far away as 10 meters (30 ft). Rattlers also " smell" with their forked tongues by flicking them in and out of their mouths. Using heat and smell to find food makes rattlers good night hunters.