Texas rattlesnake - a description of where it lives, features

Poisonous rattlesnakes are the most dangerous reptiles of their kind. Reptiles are protected by a kind of rattle, which warns of danger and asks the enemy to move away. There are cases that indicate that Texas rattlesnakes even managed to be tamed. The special sound emanating from the snake is both frightening and attractive. But we will not run ahead and reveal all the cards, we will study the features of these individuals in order.

Description

1. Under Texas rattlesnock is meant a large-sized individual, which in its length can grow up to 2.6 m with a weight of 6 kg. In fact, there are much smaller representatives, for example, 1.6 m. With a mass of 2-4 kg. Reptiles of a scaly appearance are chained to the subfamily pit-headed.
2. In its color, the reptile is pigmented with dark, so it is not particularly striking. The upper part of the body is painted brownish or gray, the abdominal part is light, beige or light, gray. Stripes and whitish spots are scattered throughout the body, they create a diamond-shaped pattern.
3. The tail of the reptile is famous for a different color. It is evenly pigmented by black and white stripes, which alternate with each other with great clarity. The stripes become small and narrow when located at the very end of the tail.
4. The skull box is quite wide and flattened. The body itself is taut, not swollen, slim and powerful at the same time. The eyes are large, the format is round, the pupils are elongated. The teeth with poison are empty, long, sharp, like needles. They dig in and begin to poison the prey.
5. Behind a number of primary teeth are additional ones. As for the rattle, it is concentrated on the edge of the tail, representing 20 segments of old skin. Particles are connected like links. The rattle is used to scare away enemies.
6. These representatives of the species prefer to live in Mexico and in the south-west of America. They love shrubby and rocky areas, dryness. They hunt small birds, rodents, lizards. They reach puberty at 3 years of age, after mating, the female brings from 5 to 20 cubs. The mating process sometimes takes a whole day.
7. These snakes have the most powerful poison, which instantly affects the central nervous system. If you do not provide help, a person will die. Snakes are most aggressive when they breed offspring or mate. By the number of bringing deaths, these individuals in the United States are the first.

Nutrition

1. Almost all birds and mammals, which the snake is able to swallow as a whole, become as prey for the Texas rattlesnake. It is worth noting that the size of the jaws of such a snake is really impressive. She can swallow very large prey. Even a rattlesnake only 1 m in size can swallow an adult rabbit.
2. The considered individuals hunt in two ways. The snake can lie in wait for prey in a secluded place or independently attack a potential victim. When the rattlesnake sets off in search, it looks absolutely into all holes and crevices.
3. It is worth noting that the presented individuals are completely hearing impaired. However, nothing prevents them from sensitively reacting to temperature changes. In addition, such snakes are very sensitive to the slightest vibration. It is them that animals create when moving.

Features

1. It's no secret that people have always had a terrible fear of rattlesnakes. Such stereotypes have developed due to supposedly increased aggression and the danger of the snake. If you delve deeper, it is worth noting that the reptiles in question are very calm creatures.
2. They never attack those who are many times their size.However, if you provoke a snake, it will naturally be forced to defend itself. It is because of the bad reputation that rattlesnakes are paying. In the southern United States, such individuals are massively destroyed.

Lifestyle

1. When cold weather sets in, these individuals are active only in the daytime. Moreover, such snakes tend to bask in the sun. As for the summer season with unbearable day heat, reptiles begin to lead a nocturnal lifestyle.
2. In the daytime, such snakes try to rest in their burrows. Most often, their homes are located in crevices of rocks. During the mating season, snakes perform a kind of mating dance. They do not injure each other, however, they show their strength.

During the winter, up to 30 individuals can be collected in one underground dwelling. Thus, they survive the cold, warming each other. Do not forget that snakes are poisonous, so do not provoke them to attack.

Video: Texas rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)