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Canebrake Rattlesnake

DESCRIPTION: The canebrake rattlesnake is aheavy-bodied snake. Color is pale grayish-brown to pink, with a pattern ofdark-brown to black V-shaped cross bands and a russet stripe down thecenterline of the back. (The rusty stripe distinguishes a canebrake from acommon timber rattler). A broad, dark stripe angles back from the eye, and thetail is velvety black. SIZE: Adults average 1.2 m in length, but someindividuals reach lengths of 180cm WEIGHT: Average weight is 2.3 kg; maximum is 4.5 kg FUN FACTS: Rattlesnakes are classified as pit vipersbecause of facial pits found below and between the eye and nostril on bothsides of the head. The pit is highly sensitive to infrared radiation (heat) andserves as a direction finder in locating warm-blooded prey or predators. Rattlesnakes have a special feedingsystem based on venom, injected into prey through teeth called fangs. Whenapproached, rattlesnakes normally remain motionless and quiet, relying onexcellent camouflage. If cornered however, they will stand their ground. The rattlesnake uses its rattle to warnother animals of its presence, so it doesn't have to waste venom on defense. The rattle is a series of hard segmentsmade of keratin. A new segment is added each time a snake sheds its skin. Whenshaken, the segments vibrate against each other, producing a familiar buzz. Don't be fooled by the rattling motion- there are several snake species (black racer, milk snake, hognose) thatvibrate their tails when cornered. Theage of a rattlesnake is not evident by the size or number of segments in itsrattle. The rattle is often broken off after a couple of years. An adultrattlesnake that has the original button at the tip of its tail is rare.

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