What does a rattlesnake sound like?

The easiest way to detect hidden rattlesnakes is to listen for the sounds they make. The pests produce rattling and buzzing noises to warn predators away. Additionally, they may hiss to alert intruders of their presence.

How old is a rattlesnake with 15 rattles?

Counting the Rattles Unless you know when the snake hatched, you can’t determine the exact age of a rattlesnake, but you can count the rattles to figure a rough estimate as to how old the snake is. On average, you can estimate the snake added two or three rattles for each year of his life.

What’s inside a rattlesnake’s rattle?

The rattlesnake’s rattle is actually made up of loosely interlocking segments made of keratin, the same strong fibrous protein in your fingernails. Each segment is held in place by the one in front and behind it, but the individual segments can move a bit.

How does a rattler warn an intruder?

It holds its tail upright and rattles the end whenever it is disturbed, in the hope that the intruder will go away. However, if its warnings are ignored—and it feels threatened—it will coil ready to bite. But the rattler itself cannot hear the noise its own tail makes.

What sounds like a rattlesnake at night?

Cicadas in California’s deserts make a similar sound. (The picture above shows a cicada photographed in Texas.) Notice the rattling sounds, followed by a loud electronic sound which is then followed by the rattling sound. Sometimes this is repeated many times.

Are rattlesnakes rattle loud?

By analyzing the warning vibrations of western diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox), scientists learned that the serpents rattle at lower frequencies of up to 40 hertz, or more slowly, when a threat is far away.

Can you tell how old a rattlesnake is by the number of rattles?

The age of a rattlesnake cannot be determined from the number of its rattle segments, as rattlesnakes usually shed three or four times a year.

What do buttons on a rattlesnake mean?

Counting the “buttons” on a rattlesnake’s rattle is not an accurate measure of the snake’s age. Rattlesnakes get extra buttons in conjunction with how often they shed, and they may shed several times in a year. The buttons on the end of the rattle tend to break off, as well.

Can a rattlesnake rattle hurt you?

Rattlesnake bites are a medical emergency. Rattlesnakes are venomous. If you’re bitten by one it can be dangerous, but it’s very rarely fatal. However, if left untreated, the bite may result in severe medical problems or can be fatal.

What eat rattlesnakes?

Eagles, hawks, roadrunners, kingsnakes, coyote, bobcats or fox are predators who look at these snakes as a source of food.

What to do if you hear a rattlesnake?

If you hear the warning rattle, move away from the area and do not make sudden or threatening movements in the direction of the snake. Remember rattlesnakes do not always rattle before they strike! Do not handle a freshly killed snake – it can still inject venom.