Can rattlesnakes climb trees?
Yes! Rattlesnakes can climb trees, but are not as good at climbing as other snakes such as gophersnakes, kingsnakes, or coachwhips. A variety of species have been photographed high up in tree branches, including Black-tailed Rattlesnakes, Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, Speckled Rattlesnakes, Tiger Rattlesnakes, Timber Rattlesnakes, and Banded Rock Rattlesnakes. If there are rough surfaces (tree bark and limbs) to grip, they might climb to hunt prey (birds and squirrels) or escape predators. They may also climb to escape potential flood water during the monsoon season. Fully grown rattlesnakes are heavier and less likely to climb as compared to young rattlesnakes.
Which state has the most rattlesnakes?
Arizona has the most types of rattlesnakes. Depending on location, the species that are encountered most often are the Western Diamondback, Sidewinder, Mojave, and Black-tailed rattlesnakes. The Mohave rattlesnake is known to be the most dangerous venomous snake in the Sonoran Desert. Quick to go on the defensive, the Mohave has very toxic venom that has caused human fatalities. It is interesting to note, however, that Texas has more venomous snake BITE incidences per year than any other state, followed by North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
Do all rattlesnakes rattle?
The rattle, a series of hollow interlocked segments at the tip of the tail, is used to warn potential predators or to distract prey. While most rattlesnakes are known for their rattles, not all rattlesnakes have rattles, and some species may have lost theirs entirely or are in the process of doing so. Some rattlesnake species, like the Santa Catalina Rattlesnake, have lost their rattles possibly because they don't need them in their environment or to aid in hunting. The loss of rattles could be due to various factors, including the snake's environment, prey type, or even the presence of other predators. It’s interesting to note that you cannot determine a rattlesnake's age based solely on the number of rattle segments, as rattlesnakes shed their skin and add a new segment each time, not annually, and they can also lose segments.
What do rattesnakes fear?
Rattlesnakes, like most animals, generally fear humans and will try to avoid them, but will strike if they feel threatened, are cornered, or accidentally stepped on or near by a hiker. They are also sensitive to noise, vibrations, and certain odors. Stomping your feet or making loud noises can deter them. Some scents, like garlic, onions, lemongrass, and white vinegar, are believed to be repellent to snakes. Rattlesnakes have natural predators, including coyotes, kingsnakes, birds of prey, roadrunners, and even stock animals.
Does temperature affect rattlesnakes?
Rattlesnakes are cold-blooded and rely on their surroundings for heat, so they are generally not active in cold weather. However, it’s important to remember that snake bites can and do occur at any time of the year, especially in southern states where the weather is much warmer year-round. On an unseasonably warm sunny day in winter or very early spring, rattlesnakes will come out of their dens in search of a drink of water and then will sun themselves on a rock. In the hot summer months, rattlesnakes need to find sheltered places out of the sun to keep from overheating— shady places along or under logs, rocks, heavy shrub or woodpiles, even the foundations of buildings.
About 7,000 to 8,000 people are bitten each year by snakes, but thanks to effective antivenins, most do not prove fatal. Even so, bites are extremely painful, require immediate medical attention, and each vial of snake antivenin costs thousands of dollars! The average snake bite victim requires anywhere from a few vials to dozens of them — it depends on factors like the size of the patient, the potency of venom in the bite and how quickly the patient is treated. The more vials of anti-venom that are needed, the higher the cost— and insurance often doesn’t cover much of it. Don't take a chance! Durable, protective snake gaiters for your lower legs can help protect your lower legs when working, hiking, hunting or recreating in the desert or woods where rattlesnakes and other pit vipers are known to live.
