Rattlesnakes PS 13D

Rattlesnakes are venomous reptiles with large bodies, triangle-shaped heads with a “rattle” found at the tip of the tail. The rattle is composed of a series of interlocking scales, which click together when the muscle in the tail contracts. Rattlesnakes live in a variety of habitats, including forest, grasslands, scrub brush, swamps, and deserts. They are also capable swimmers. Almost all reptiles, including rattlesnakes, are ectothermic (cold-blooded). This means the rattlesnake relies essentially on outside heat sources rather than an internal metabolism to maintain its body temperature. A rattlesnake’s body temperature is influenced more by the temperature at the grounds surface where they are lying, rather than the air temperature.

When it becomes cold rattlesnakes become sluggish, as there metabolic rates lower, leaving them inactive. Early frosts and shortening daylight, encourage snakes to move toward the dens, normally found on hillsides and rocky outcrops with underground openings. Snakes start their movements toward the den during the first freezing temperatures in winter, and will congregate near the den until the lower temperatures drive them underground. In late March or April, triggered by increasing ground temperatures, the snakes will move back towards the ground surface. Rattlesnakes do not generally become active until temperatures exceed 12-13°C and their body temperature reaches a range of between 25 and 30°C.