Young and small rattlesnakes feed largely on lizards. Nerves in the skin regulate the flow of blood into the veins near the surface. Timber rattlesnakes are present in the eastern United States from southern Minnesota and southern New Hampshire, south to east Texas and north Florida. In the fall they congregate in rock slides or crevices for their winter hibernation in dens that may shelter hundreds of individuals of several different species. [1][42][43] The muscles that cause the rattle to shake are some of the fastest known, firing 50 times per second on average, sustained for up to three hours.[44]. This branch of venomous snakes is not native to any other continents. [62], Rattlesnakes generally take several years to mature, and females usually reproduce only once every three years. [6] Rattlesnakes prefer a temperature range between 80 and 90 °F (26 and 32 °C), but can survive temperatures below freezing, recovering from brief exposure to temperatures as low as 4 °F (−16 °C), and surviving for several days in temperatures as low as 37 °F (3 °C). Four species may be found east of the Mississippi River, and two in South America. They are large, heavy-bodied snakes with large, broad heads with two light lines on the face. [78] About 20% of bites result in no envenomation at all. [23][24] Due to the high density of heat-sensitive receptors innervating this membrane, the rattlesnake can detect temperature changes of 0.003 °C or less in its immediate surroundings. (ed), Ditmars, Raymond L. "Reptiles of the World" The MacMillan Company, New York, 1936, p. 255, List of rattlesnake species and subspecies, "Rattlesnakes can use airborne cues during post-strike prey relocation", "Biological Infrared Imaging and Sensing", "Molecular Basis of Infrared Detection by Snakes", American International Rattlesnake Museum: Rattles, (Accessed: May 4, 2012), "Wildlife Guide - National Wildlife Federation", "Family values: Maternal care in rattlesnakes is more than mere attendance", "Rattlesnake danger grows as more serpents strike without warning", "Snakebite injuries treated in United States emergency departments, 2001-2004", "For Goodness Snakes! You might see them on … In the United States, the states with the most types of rattlesnakes are Texas and Arizona. The rattlesnake eye lacks a fovea, making it impossible for them to see sharply defined images. Rattlesnakes are found from southern Canada to central Argentina but are most abundant and diverse in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The snake should be killed and brought in for identification, even for “dry” bites, in which venom is not injected. The other three species belong to a more primitive genus, Sistrurus, which includes the North American massasauga (S. catenatus) and pygmy rattler (S. miliarius). [68], Rattlesnakes tend to avoid developed areas, preferring undisturbed, natural habitats. The company's Facebook post says the owner discovered a "few" snakes while attempting to fix a TV or cable issue under the home. Insane snake attacks (WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES) 33 … I'de have to check a map for more. When the fangs are not in use, they remain folded against the palate. Horses generally receive bites on the muzzle, and cattle on their tongues and muzzles. [16], Newborn rattlesnakes are heavily preyed upon by a variety of species, including ravens, crows, roadrunners, raccoons, opossums, skunks, coyotes, weasels, whipsnakes, kingsnakes, and racers. A lack of edema or erythema in the area of the bite after eight hours indicates a lack of envenomation for most rattlesnake bites. [79], Common symptoms include swelling, severe pain, tingling, weakness, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, hemorrhaging, perspiration, and (rarely) heart failure. Rattlesnakes are a key element in Aztec mythology and were widely represented in Aztec art, including sculptures, jewelry, and architectural elements. The large majority of species lives in the American Southwest and Mexico. Rattlesnakes are generally shy and non-aggressive. [7], The most probable ancestral area of rattlesnakes is the Sierra Madre Occidental region in Mexico. Rattlesnake Range: While most rattlers are concentrated in the southwestern United States, they extend north, east and south in diminishing numbers and varieties. [31][32], Rattlesnakes are born with fully functioning fangs and venom, and are capable of killing prey at birth. Rubio, 1998: p. 59 -- Knowledge that rattlesnakes are so afraid of kingsnakes' odor led to the development of effective synthetic rattlesnake repellents. At least three pairs of replacement fangs lie behind the functional pair. Rattlesnakes travel with their rattles held up to protect them from damage, but in spite of this precaution, their day-to-day activities in the wild still cause them to regularly break off end segments. Rattlesnakes are not aggressive and will not attack humans if unprovoked; in fact, they are quite shy and timid. Rattlesnake, any of 33 species of venomous New World vipers characterized by a segmented rattle at the tip of the tail that produces a buzzing sound when vibrated. 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