This prairie rattlesnake is poised to strike. Adult rattlesnakes, unlike juveniles, are able to regulate the amount of venom in their bites.

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Rattlesnakes add a segment to their iconic rattles each time they molt.

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Rattlesnake venom is extremely potent, containing hemotoxins and sometimes neurotoxins.

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Small mammals, birds, and other reptiles are the preferred food of western diamondback rattlesnakes. In leaner times, the snake is able to go without eating for long periods (up to two years), reducing its activity and making it rely on fat reserves for energy.

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Western diamondbacks are among the most aggressive species of rattlesnakes and have a striking distance up to 66 percent of their body length. They do not shy away from confrontation, and their bites have been the cause of several recorded deaths.

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The western Massasauga rattlesnake is one of the smaller rattlers. Compared to other larger rattlesnakes, its venom is more toxic, but it delivers less venom per bite.

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Sidewinders move by pushing off the ground from two places and throwing their necks forward. The tracks they leave behind look like the letter "J," with the bottom of the "J" indicating the direction the snake was traveling.

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This prairie rattlesnake is poised to strike. Adult rattlesnakes, unlike juveniles, are able to regulate the amount of venom in their bites.

Coiled Prairie Rattlesnake

This prairie rattlesnake is poised to strike. Adult rattlesnakes, unlike juveniles, are able to regulate the amount of venom in their bites.

Photograph by Chris Johns

Animals
Photo Gallery

Rattlesnakes

See rattlesnake pictures in this photo gallery from National Geographic.

Published November 18, 2009

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