1. Herpetology Southern Pacific Rattlesnake

2. Stats: o 4-5 ft. o Greenish – black, diamonds on back o Front-fanged o Hemotoxic venom, attacking blood Crotalus viridis helleri

3. Rattle! Head shape Black/white tail Keeled scales Heat sensing pits Elliptical eyes Physical Characteristics

4. Interesting Facts Born with no rattle, comes after first shed Venom changes as they age Young ~ the venom is less potent and does not digest prey very quickly Older ~ favor faster, harder to digest prey, the venom becomes stronger, to kill quicker. Research Much of our current technological advances in night-vision and heat seeking ability are a result, in part of research done on pit vipers such as the southern Pacific rattlesnake.

5. Bites! Hemotoxin o Attaches to red blood cells Liquefies tissue 40-60 bites per year o 2-3 might end up fatal o 20-25% of venom supply Adults can manage venom supply and may even give a dry bite. Younger snakes may not manage The amount of venom given and a bite may result in more venom.

6. Encounters… If Bitten… Stay calm Wash the bite area gently with soap and water Remove watches, rings, etc., which may constrict swelling Immobilize the affected area Transport safely to the nearest medical facility Wear hiking boots, not sandals! When hiking, stick to well-used trails. Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see. Step on logs and rocks, never over them. Check out stumps or logs before sitting down, and shake out sleeping bags before use. Never grab “sticks” or “branches” while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim. Never hike alone. When hiking…

7. Reproduction Females release pheromones Males fight Ovovivparous Born 90 days after fertilization 9-10 live young

8. Birds Roadrunner Red-tailed HawkPredators…

9. More Predators… Reptiles… Indigo o Non-constrictor! Ca. Kingsnake o Immune!

10. Coyotes Mammal Predators…

11. Even more predators! Man! Rattlesnake roundups!

12. In the end… Leave alone! They are more afraid of us. Most bites are of young men! Every animal has it’s role… o Even rattlesnakes!