Rattlesnake

One of the most dangerous reptiles is rattlesnake. She is a representative of the Yamkolov family. This animal lives mainly in the countries of Southeast Asia, America and Russia.

How does the rattlesnake look? The head of the animal has a triangular shape, the pupils of the eyes are vertical. The length of the adult can reach more than one and a half meters. A characteristic feature of representatives of this species is the presence of two hollow long teeth, from which a deadly poison is released. On the head of the reptiles, between the eyes and nostrils, there are two thermoreceptor pits, allowing them to recognize the victim by the temperature difference. These amazing receptors are able to react even to the slightest changes in air temperature (0.1 degrees). This feature allows animals to hunt successfully even at night.

The rattlesnake has received its name thanks to a vestibule located on the tip of its tail. It is a mobile modified scales. In the process of oscillation, they strike against each other, producing a characteristic "thundering" sound.

All species of serpents of the family of Yamkogolovs are mainly fed by small vertebrate mammals. They can be ambushed for a long time, waiting for the victim to get as close as possible, and then suddenly attack her. For wintering rattlesnakes choose such places where they can feel comfortable, basking in each other, the whole period of hibernation. In autumn, reptiles try to crawl as often as possible to the sun to warm themselves under its rays.

Almost all representatives of the family of Yamkogolovye are vivacious. A few minutes after laying eggs, the young offspring tear off the shell and appear in the light. Adult snakes are constantly watching to ensure that no one approaches the nest with the offspring. At a young age, snake tails have a bright color, contrasting with the color of the whole body. In this case, the youngster has a rattle on the tip of the tail, it appears much later.

Like many other scaly classes of reptiles, rattlesnakes periodically moult. After each skin change, an additional new keratinized segment appears on the animal's rattle. Young snakes molt occurs quite often - up to six times a year. In adults - once a year and a half. Before the moult begins, the cornea of the animal's eyes loses its transparency, becomes cloudy. At this time, the snake is not able to see. She spends most of her time in cover until the vision returns. The tongue helps to orient oneself in space, and the thermometer locks the food. Reptile teeth are used to grab and kill their prey.

When a rattlesnake feels danger, it turns into a tight spring, ready at any moment to turn with great force. At the same time, the tail part resembles a spiral ring, in the center of which there is a rattle-cellar, issuing an intimidating rustle. The front part looks like a high column.

Rattlesnakes, in general, are nocturnal. Indeed, it is during the dark hours that most of their victims show activity. In addition, night hunting allows animals to avoid thermal and sunburn. In the afternoon, reptiles hide under rocks or in rodent burrows.

A deadly danger for a person carries in itself the venom of a snake contained in the salivary glands of an animal and transmitted through a bite. It is a thick liquid of transparent color, containing a huge amount of complex biologically active substances. Getting into the blood, the poison instantly affects all the blood vessels and cells of the human body. Therefore, when a snake bites, it is very important to provide a person with qualified medical care in a timely manner.