HumboldtHerps.com
Information regarding protection status from: Web 6: (www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/07-08-inland-fish-regs.pdf)
Information regarding Northern Pacific range and habitat cross-referenced using:
2. Pages 245-246, Reptiles of the Northwest. c. 2002.
3. Pages 415 and 505, Western Reptile and Amphibians (3rd ed.) c. 2003.
Information regarding evolution of the rattle cross-referenced using:
7. Pages 249-265, Rattlesnakes, Their Habits, Life Histories and Influence on Mankind - Vol 1 (2nd ed.) c. 1972.
A2. Moon, Brad R.(Please see details on References Page.)
A3. Rabatsky, Ali M. and Waterman, Jane M, [Abstract only via Web13. Please see details on References Page.)
Information regarding species and subspecies nomenclature cross-referenced using:
A4. Ashton, Kyle G. and de Queiroz, Alan. (via Web14. Please see details on reference Page.)
A5. Pook, Catherine E., Wuester, Wolfgang, and Thorpe, Roger S. (via Web10. Please see details on References Page.)
Web5. www.itis.gov search engine.
Information regarding rattlesnake venom and types of toxins cross-referenced using:
Web11. Moore, Lee, "Pharmodynamics of Snake Venom and Envenomations" (www.serpentoxins.com/envenomation.htm)
Web12. Fry, Dr. Bryan Grieg (www.kingsnake.com/toxinology/old/index.html) [See "Venom Types" and "Rattlesnakes"]
"Crotalus" definition - www.wikipedia.org
Information regarding Northern Pacific range and habitat cross-referenced using:
2. Pages 245-246, Reptiles of the Northwest. c. 2002.
3. Pages 415 and 505, Western Reptile and Amphibians (3rd ed.) c. 2003.
Information regarding evolution of the rattle cross-referenced using:
7. Pages 249-265, Rattlesnakes, Their Habits, Life Histories and Influence on Mankind - Vol 1 (2nd ed.) c. 1972.
A2. Moon, Brad R.(Please see details on References Page.)
A3. Rabatsky, Ali M. and Waterman, Jane M, [Abstract only via Web13. Please see details on References Page.)
Information regarding species and subspecies nomenclature cross-referenced using:
A4. Ashton, Kyle G. and de Queiroz, Alan. (via Web14. Please see details on reference Page.)
A5. Pook, Catherine E., Wuester, Wolfgang, and Thorpe, Roger S. (via Web10. Please see details on References Page.)
Web5. www.itis.gov search engine.
Information regarding rattlesnake venom and types of toxins cross-referenced using:
Web11. Moore, Lee, "Pharmodynamics of Snake Venom and Envenomations" (www.serpentoxins.com/envenomation.htm)
Web12. Fry, Dr. Bryan Grieg (www.kingsnake.com/toxinology/old/index.html) [See "Venom Types" and "Rattlesnakes"]
"Crotalus" definition - www.wikipedia.org
Complete
Crotalus
Family - Viperidae
Subfamily - Crotalinae
Genus - Crotalus
Genus - Crotalus
Family - Viperidae
Subfamily - Crotalinae
Genus - Crotalus
Genus - Crotalus
| Northern Pacific Rattlesnake - Portuguese Camp, Stuart Fork Creek, Trinity Alps, Trinity County, CA July 07, 2007 (above and left) |
| Watch your step! ...And prepare to meet America's most infamous snake! |
R T L S A E
A T E N K S
A T E N K S
R T L S A E
A T E N K S
A T E N K S
R T L S A E
A T E N K S
A T E N K S
Here in the United States
there are fifteen species of
rattlesnakes belonging to the
genus Crotalus (with a total
of 25 snakes if you count
subspecies). Additionally
there are two species that fall
into the genus Sistrurus
(totalling 6 with subspecies).
there are fifteen species of
rattlesnakes belonging to the
genus Crotalus (with a total
of 25 snakes if you count
subspecies). Additionally
there are two species that fall
into the genus Sistrurus
(totalling 6 with subspecies).
Few snakes in North America have received more attention worldwide than the
rattlesnake. The novelty of a snake with a rattle! Truly an evolutionary marvel!
The attention however, is two-sided. Nationally, public opinion of the rattlesnake is
often one of fear and apprehension. These snakes are venomous. It's one thing
to gawk in wonder through a window at a zoo; it's quite another when one has to
walk through the tall grass in rattler country! People, livestock and pets have died
from rattlesnake bites, and medical doctors reassure us that surviving one is not a
pleasant experience. It is easy to understand why local opinion can so quickly
cast a shadow of ill repute upon these snakes and far outweigh any of the positive
attention they deserve.
Here in Northwestern California local perceptions are no different.
Most of the acreage in Humboldt, Del Norte, Siskiyou, and Trinity counties is rural:
national and state parks, private and BLM land, wilderness areas, farms, ranches,
open range, etc. Inland residents have been running into rattlers since the Gold
Rush. A common consensus is, "The only good snake is a dead snake!"
In fact, most species of rattlesnakes in the state of California are afforded no
protection by the California Department of Fish and Game and are still listed as
pests with no limit on take or kill. All other snake species in the state have limits.
Disregard for the additional population decimation via land encroachment
compounds the issue of possible endangerment. The overall stance has put
some Southern California species at risk.
Fortunately, our native rattler, the Northern Pacific (Crotalus oreganus oreganus)
is in no current danger of becoming endangered. This recently renamed species
has a vast range: SC British Columbia, most of Washington east of the
Cascades, WC Idaho, NE and SW of the Cascades in Oregon, NW California
(Cascade/Klamath complex) southeast to west of the Sierras, and from the
northwestern coastal mountains and Sierras all the way south to Santa Barbara
County where intergradation occurs with the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake
(Crotalus o. helleri). Intergrade zones with the Great Basin Rattlesnake (Crotalus
o. lutosus) occur in EC Oregon, WC Idaho, and NE California near the Shasta area
and along the Sierra Nevada.
The Northern Pacific often goes by the name Prairie Rattlesnake or Western
Timber Rattler, but these names are ambiguous. Those who are not at all familiar
with the world of crotalids are often quick to call any large rattler a Diamondback.
The true Western Diamondback (Crotalus atrox), the largest and one of the most
dangerous rattlers in the U.S., only populates California's extreme southeastern
parts. "Timber" Rattler would seem an appropriate name for the species, as these
snakes inhabit endless stretches of forestlands in the Northwest; but this name is
already taken by an eastern species with similar preferences. In the long run, the
name would fall short. Many within the oreganus complex have adapted to a
variety of habitats that do not necessarily include forests. While the Northern
Pacific may be found in oak, juniper and pine woodlands, it is equally at home in
open brush and grasslands as well as dry rocky areas. Other specific and
subspecific habitats include sage and chaparral, high desert and sandstone
canyons,shrub-covered coastal dunes, and even ancient lava fields.
Until recently, the Northern Pacific was listed as a subspecies of the Prairie
Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis), which is found primarily in the Midwest.
Included in the viridis complex were the Hopi, Grand Canyon, Arizona Black,
Midget Faded, Southern Pacific, Great Basin, and Coronado Island Rattlesnakes.
Mitochondrial DNA results have recently confirmed that most of the western virdis
subspecies are genetically distinct from the snakes in the Midwest. As a result,
new species status was awarded to the Northern Pacific, and all but the Prairie
and the Hopi were given new subspecies status. The genetic variation should not
be too much of a surprise, since many of the western subspecies are actually
separated from the East by geographical boundaries such as the Rockies.
"Western Rattlesnake" is an acceptable common name for the Northern Pacific.
rattlesnake. The novelty of a snake with a rattle! Truly an evolutionary marvel!
The attention however, is two-sided. Nationally, public opinion of the rattlesnake is
often one of fear and apprehension. These snakes are venomous. It's one thing
to gawk in wonder through a window at a zoo; it's quite another when one has to
walk through the tall grass in rattler country! People, livestock and pets have died
from rattlesnake bites, and medical doctors reassure us that surviving one is not a
pleasant experience. It is easy to understand why local opinion can so quickly
cast a shadow of ill repute upon these snakes and far outweigh any of the positive
attention they deserve.
Here in Northwestern California local perceptions are no different.
Most of the acreage in Humboldt, Del Norte, Siskiyou, and Trinity counties is rural:
national and state parks, private and BLM land, wilderness areas, farms, ranches,
open range, etc. Inland residents have been running into rattlers since the Gold
Rush. A common consensus is, "The only good snake is a dead snake!"
In fact, most species of rattlesnakes in the state of California are afforded no
protection by the California Department of Fish and Game and are still listed as
pests with no limit on take or kill. All other snake species in the state have limits.
Disregard for the additional population decimation via land encroachment
compounds the issue of possible endangerment. The overall stance has put
some Southern California species at risk.
Fortunately, our native rattler, the Northern Pacific (Crotalus oreganus oreganus)
is in no current danger of becoming endangered. This recently renamed species
has a vast range: SC British Columbia, most of Washington east of the
Cascades, WC Idaho, NE and SW of the Cascades in Oregon, NW California
(Cascade/Klamath complex) southeast to west of the Sierras, and from the
northwestern coastal mountains and Sierras all the way south to Santa Barbara
County where intergradation occurs with the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake
(Crotalus o. helleri). Intergrade zones with the Great Basin Rattlesnake (Crotalus
o. lutosus) occur in EC Oregon, WC Idaho, and NE California near the Shasta area
and along the Sierra Nevada.
The Northern Pacific often goes by the name Prairie Rattlesnake or Western
Timber Rattler, but these names are ambiguous. Those who are not at all familiar
with the world of crotalids are often quick to call any large rattler a Diamondback.
The true Western Diamondback (Crotalus atrox), the largest and one of the most
dangerous rattlers in the U.S., only populates California's extreme southeastern
parts. "Timber" Rattler would seem an appropriate name for the species, as these
snakes inhabit endless stretches of forestlands in the Northwest; but this name is
already taken by an eastern species with similar preferences. In the long run, the
name would fall short. Many within the oreganus complex have adapted to a
variety of habitats that do not necessarily include forests. While the Northern
Pacific may be found in oak, juniper and pine woodlands, it is equally at home in
open brush and grasslands as well as dry rocky areas. Other specific and
subspecific habitats include sage and chaparral, high desert and sandstone
canyons,shrub-covered coastal dunes, and even ancient lava fields.
Until recently, the Northern Pacific was listed as a subspecies of the Prairie
Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis), which is found primarily in the Midwest.
Included in the viridis complex were the Hopi, Grand Canyon, Arizona Black,
Midget Faded, Southern Pacific, Great Basin, and Coronado Island Rattlesnakes.
Mitochondrial DNA results have recently confirmed that most of the western virdis
subspecies are genetically distinct from the snakes in the Midwest. As a result,
new species status was awarded to the Northern Pacific, and all but the Prairie
and the Hopi were given new subspecies status. The genetic variation should not
be too much of a surprise, since many of the western subspecies are actually
separated from the East by geographical boundaries such as the Rockies.
"Western Rattlesnake" is an acceptable common name for the Northern Pacific.
HumboldtHerps.com
Crotalus
| Watch your step! |
| Watch your step! |
Northern Pacific (juvenile)
Matthew's Creek - So. Fk.
Salmon River, Siskiyou
County July 20, 2007
Matthew's Creek - So. Fk.
Salmon River, Siskiyou
County July 20, 2007
So what is a rattlesnake?
So what is a rattlesnake?
So what is a rattlesnake?
Rattlesnakes belong to a family of snakes called vipers (Viperidae). All vipers
have a pair of large folding front fangs that act as hyper-dermic needles used to
inject venom. Vipers are often easily recognised by the breadth of their heads,
many of which have a triangular shape. Most species are proportionally
heavy-bodied and often slow-moving, however many of the arboreal species are
rather quick and limber. Ambush is the primary means of catching prey. All
viperids all have keeled scales. All are oviviviparous (meaning they bear
non-placental live young). This latter trait enables vipers to live in extremely
diverse habitats, especially in colder areas where consistently warm egg
incubation sites are rare. The European Adder (a viper) holds the record for the
highest latitude; it is the only snake found north of the Arctic Circle. Alpine
mountains, deserts, tropical forests, and everything in-between have been
embraced by one species of viper or another. Vipers may be found on every
continent except Antarctica and Australia.
Not just a viper...
This magnificent animal also belongs to a more specialized sub-family called the
pit vipers (Crotalinae). Pit vipers are unique, for they have evolved an added sense.
Just below and between each eye and nostril crotalines have a small,
ultra-sensitive heat-sensing aperture that allows them to see the world in infrared.
Sensing changes in temperatures in fractions of degrees pit vipers can determine
the difference between predator and prey by the amount of heat given off by the
animal. Combined with relatively good eyesight and an incredible sense of smell,
these snakes are well-equipped predators. A variety of pit viper species may be
found throughout parts of Central and Southeast Asia, however most of the world's
genera and species are located in the New World, especially in the tropics
between Mexico and Brazil.
Not just a pit viper...
Rattlesnakes have one more special feature not found in other pit vipers: the rattle!
Species within both the genuses Crotalus and Sistrurus start their lives with a
keratinous segment attached to the base of the tail. Unlike the conical tail tip of
most snakes, the rattlesnake's initial "button" is bulbous with two annular
constrictions that keep it from being shed. Every time a rattlesnake sheds its skin
an additional segment is added. As with most snakes, during their first year,
neonate rattlesnakes will shed frequently as they undergo the growth spurts of
youth. This fact alone shatters the myth that you can tell the age of a rattlesnake by
counting the number of its rattles. Also, when rattles contain too many segments,
they begin to break away. Shed rates slow down as the snake grows towards full
adulthood. Some older adults may shed no more than two times a year. Note:
Although the growth rate slows in adulthood, most snakes never stop growing.
Longevity issues usually prevent snakes from reaching sizes above the norm of
the species.
The origin of the rattle and its intended function are still being debated. Older
theories suggested that the rattle might be a caudal lure used to attract mates or
prey. There is little evidence to support its use in mating. A reminder: all snakes
are deaf! They can pick up low frequency sound vibrations through their belly
scales, skull bones, and even lung, however there is no proof that vibrations from
the rattle are used or recognized as an attractant. Evidence for luring prey, on the
other hand, has only recently gained some credibility in studies done with the
Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius barbouri); however, only juveniles
have been documented engaging in this behavior. One reason may be the
differences in diet between juveniles and adults; tail wiggling usually only attracts
lizards and frogs; the adults eat mice. The most popular held theory is that the
rattle is indeed a warning device. Still, the evolution of an auditory device in a deaf
animal sounds perplexing. Rattlesnakes are not the only serpents to rattle their
tails. Many North American snakes such as rat snakes, kingsnakes and
bullsnakes vibrate their tails when they feel threatened. So this may not only be a
question of physiological evolution but one of behavior as well. Whether used for
attracting prey or warning away a threat, chronologically, it would make sense for
the tail-rattling behavior to precede the evolution of the rattle, for a rattle without a
shake isn't much of a rattle! Some evolutionists also theorize that the appearance
of the rattle coincided with the appearance of large prehistoric mammals in North
America. The fact that rattlers frequently sound off when large animals are near
also lends credible support. We may see the implications in the old U.S. moto
"Don't tread on me." Unfortunately, some rattlesnakes often abstain from giving
any warning whatsoever, so a theoretical gap still exists. It is possible that in this
current day and age, more and more rattlesnakes may be changing their
behavioral patterns. There are less big game mammals around today, plus
rattling to warn away human trespassers often leads to the rattler's demise
(especially during rattlesnake round-ups). The sound of a rattle basically tells us
where the "dreaded" snake is located. If survival of the fittest is indeed the law of
nature, then inheriting a new behavior that does not reveal your whereabouts may
indeed be the new road to a furthered existence. Time will tell.
have a pair of large folding front fangs that act as hyper-dermic needles used to
inject venom. Vipers are often easily recognised by the breadth of their heads,
many of which have a triangular shape. Most species are proportionally
heavy-bodied and often slow-moving, however many of the arboreal species are
rather quick and limber. Ambush is the primary means of catching prey. All
viperids all have keeled scales. All are oviviviparous (meaning they bear
non-placental live young). This latter trait enables vipers to live in extremely
diverse habitats, especially in colder areas where consistently warm egg
incubation sites are rare. The European Adder (a viper) holds the record for the
highest latitude; it is the only snake found north of the Arctic Circle. Alpine
mountains, deserts, tropical forests, and everything in-between have been
embraced by one species of viper or another. Vipers may be found on every
continent except Antarctica and Australia.
Not just a viper...
This magnificent animal also belongs to a more specialized sub-family called the
pit vipers (Crotalinae). Pit vipers are unique, for they have evolved an added sense.
Just below and between each eye and nostril crotalines have a small,
ultra-sensitive heat-sensing aperture that allows them to see the world in infrared.
Sensing changes in temperatures in fractions of degrees pit vipers can determine
the difference between predator and prey by the amount of heat given off by the
animal. Combined with relatively good eyesight and an incredible sense of smell,
these snakes are well-equipped predators. A variety of pit viper species may be
found throughout parts of Central and Southeast Asia, however most of the world's
genera and species are located in the New World, especially in the tropics
between Mexico and Brazil.
Not just a pit viper...
Rattlesnakes have one more special feature not found in other pit vipers: the rattle!
Species within both the genuses Crotalus and Sistrurus start their lives with a
keratinous segment attached to the base of the tail. Unlike the conical tail tip of
most snakes, the rattlesnake's initial "button" is bulbous with two annular
constrictions that keep it from being shed. Every time a rattlesnake sheds its skin
an additional segment is added. As with most snakes, during their first year,
neonate rattlesnakes will shed frequently as they undergo the growth spurts of
youth. This fact alone shatters the myth that you can tell the age of a rattlesnake by
counting the number of its rattles. Also, when rattles contain too many segments,
they begin to break away. Shed rates slow down as the snake grows towards full
adulthood. Some older adults may shed no more than two times a year. Note:
Although the growth rate slows in adulthood, most snakes never stop growing.
Longevity issues usually prevent snakes from reaching sizes above the norm of
the species.
The origin of the rattle and its intended function are still being debated. Older
theories suggested that the rattle might be a caudal lure used to attract mates or
prey. There is little evidence to support its use in mating. A reminder: all snakes
are deaf! They can pick up low frequency sound vibrations through their belly
scales, skull bones, and even lung, however there is no proof that vibrations from
the rattle are used or recognized as an attractant. Evidence for luring prey, on the
other hand, has only recently gained some credibility in studies done with the
Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius barbouri); however, only juveniles
have been documented engaging in this behavior. One reason may be the
differences in diet between juveniles and adults; tail wiggling usually only attracts
lizards and frogs; the adults eat mice. The most popular held theory is that the
rattle is indeed a warning device. Still, the evolution of an auditory device in a deaf
animal sounds perplexing. Rattlesnakes are not the only serpents to rattle their
tails. Many North American snakes such as rat snakes, kingsnakes and
bullsnakes vibrate their tails when they feel threatened. So this may not only be a
question of physiological evolution but one of behavior as well. Whether used for
attracting prey or warning away a threat, chronologically, it would make sense for
the tail-rattling behavior to precede the evolution of the rattle, for a rattle without a
shake isn't much of a rattle! Some evolutionists also theorize that the appearance
of the rattle coincided with the appearance of large prehistoric mammals in North
America. The fact that rattlers frequently sound off when large animals are near
also lends credible support. We may see the implications in the old U.S. moto
"Don't tread on me." Unfortunately, some rattlesnakes often abstain from giving
any warning whatsoever, so a theoretical gap still exists. It is possible that in this
current day and age, more and more rattlesnakes may be changing their
behavioral patterns. There are less big game mammals around today, plus
rattling to warn away human trespassers often leads to the rattler's demise
(especially during rattlesnake round-ups). The sound of a rattle basically tells us
where the "dreaded" snake is located. If survival of the fittest is indeed the law of
nature, then inheriting a new behavior that does not reveal your whereabouts may
indeed be the new road to a furthered existence. Time will tell.
| FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NORTHERN PACIFIC RATTLESNAKE - GO TO Crotalus (2) ...coming soon! |
| How bad is the bite? |
| How bad is the bite? |
Snake venom is basically
highly evolved saliva that is
packed with various
enzymatic or non-enzymatic
polypeptides that are toxic.
Venoms are often
classified as either
hemotoxic or neurotoxic
(destroying blood tissue or
nerve tissue). Modern
toxinologists report that
such differentiations are
out of date. Types and
quantities of toxins vary
from species to species.
Different recipes create
different venoms. For
instance, rattlesnakes,
which have normally been
labeled hemotoxic, have a
variety of toxins that perform
individual functions; these
include toxins that: inhibit
blood clotting, induce
hemmorhaging, destroy
muscle tissue (myotoxins),
damage nerve cells, and
increase cell permeability
to name just a few. The
venom of the Mojave
Rattlesnake (Crotalus s.
scutulatus) actually has
more neurotoixic properties
than hemotoxic, as do
northern subspecies of the
Neotropical Rattlesnake
(C. durissus complex) in
Latin America. Isolated
populations of the
Southern Pacific rattler (C.
oreganus helleri) in
Southern California have
also shown an increase in
the amount of neurotoxins
produced. The fact is,
venom continues to evolve.
Our local Northern Pacific
Rattlesnake is not usually
listed among the deadliest
of crotalids, however its bite
should be considered
lethal. If you have any
doubts, please visit:
www.rattlesnakebite.org
BE FOREWARNED!
The pictures presented are
extremely graphic. When I
finished viewing them I was
sick to my stomach!
Victims' reactions to
venomous bites vary from
person to person. Some
bites may be dry, while
some pack a full dose.
Victims' size, age, and
health are also contributing
factors to the extent of
damage that can be done.
Occasionally, some
patients suffer severe
allergic reactions to the
antivenin treatments.
Disfigurement is common
among survivors of severe
bites. Severe snakebite
treatments are very
expensive.
If you accidentally walk into
a confrontation, or if you are
actively pursuing these
snakes, we humbly ask
that you do not
overestimate your own
abilities and never
underestimate the snake!
DON'T BE STUPID!
For more information on
venomous snakebites click
highly evolved saliva that is
packed with various
enzymatic or non-enzymatic
polypeptides that are toxic.
Venoms are often
classified as either
hemotoxic or neurotoxic
(destroying blood tissue or
nerve tissue). Modern
toxinologists report that
such differentiations are
out of date. Types and
quantities of toxins vary
from species to species.
Different recipes create
different venoms. For
instance, rattlesnakes,
which have normally been
labeled hemotoxic, have a
variety of toxins that perform
individual functions; these
include toxins that: inhibit
blood clotting, induce
hemmorhaging, destroy
muscle tissue (myotoxins),
damage nerve cells, and
increase cell permeability
to name just a few. The
venom of the Mojave
Rattlesnake (Crotalus s.
scutulatus) actually has
more neurotoixic properties
than hemotoxic, as do
northern subspecies of the
Neotropical Rattlesnake
(C. durissus complex) in
Latin America. Isolated
populations of the
Southern Pacific rattler (C.
oreganus helleri) in
Southern California have
also shown an increase in
the amount of neurotoxins
produced. The fact is,
venom continues to evolve.
Our local Northern Pacific
Rattlesnake is not usually
listed among the deadliest
of crotalids, however its bite
should be considered
lethal. If you have any
doubts, please visit:
www.rattlesnakebite.org
BE FOREWARNED!
The pictures presented are
extremely graphic. When I
finished viewing them I was
sick to my stomach!
Victims' reactions to
venomous bites vary from
person to person. Some
bites may be dry, while
some pack a full dose.
Victims' size, age, and
health are also contributing
factors to the extent of
damage that can be done.
Occasionally, some
patients suffer severe
allergic reactions to the
antivenin treatments.
Disfigurement is common
among survivors of severe
bites. Severe snakebite
treatments are very
expensive.
If you accidentally walk into
a confrontation, or if you are
actively pursuing these
snakes, we humbly ask
that you do not
overestimate your own
abilities and never
underestimate the snake!
DON'T BE STUPID!
For more information on
venomous snakebites click
The name "crotalus"
comes from the Greek word
"krotolon", which means
"rattle" or "castanet."
The word "rattlesnake" is
literally translated in many
languages. In German it's a
"Klapperschlange." In
Spanish it's "vibora de
cascabel" or "snake of the
rattle." Rattlesnakes in Latin
America are often just called
"cascabel."
Illustrator-poet Shel
Silverstein's "Runny Babbit"
inspires us to call them
"snattlerakes!"
comes from the Greek word
"krotolon", which means
"rattle" or "castanet."
The word "rattlesnake" is
literally translated in many
languages. In German it's a
"Klapperschlange." In
Spanish it's "vibora de
cascabel" or "snake of the
rattle." Rattlesnakes in Latin
America are often just called
"cascabel."
Illustrator-poet Shel
Silverstein's "Runny Babbit"
inspires us to call them
"snattlerakes!"
| Crotalus (2) ...coming soon! |
| SIGHTINGS ...coming soon! |