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Rattlesnakes is a group
of venomous New World snakes, genera Crotalus and Sistrurus, which
have a small noise-making jointed rattle on their tails. If not
surprised, they will usually use this rattle as a warning device
when they feel threatened. The rattle is composed of a series
of nested, hollow beads which are actually modified scales from
the tail-tip. Each time the snake sheds its skin, a new rattle
segment is added. Since they may shed their skins many times a
year (depending on food supply and consequent growth rates), and
since the rattle can and does break, there is no truth to the
claim that one can tell a rattlesnake's age from the number of
rattles. There are about 30 species, with numerous subspecies.
Rattlesnakes are pit vipers. Pit vipers have heat-sensitive pits
between the eye and the nostril that enable them to find prey
very effectively. Pit vipers also have fangs in the upper part
of the mouth that fold in when not in use. When a pit viper attacks,
it unfolds the fangs, bites, and injects its venom.
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Rattlesnake bites
are generally not fatal for adult humans, if promptly and properly
treated. Most (but not all) rattlesnake venom is primarily hemotoxic,
meaning it is essentially digestive, destroying tissue and is
often very painful. Some degree of permanent scarring is very
likely, even with prompt, effective treatment, and a severe envenomation
combined with delayed or ineffective treatment can lead to loss
of a limb; a rattlesnake bite is always a potential serious injury.
Some rattlesnakes, especially the tropical species, have primarily
neurotoxic venom. A bite from these snakes may not be very painful,
but the venom can interfere with the function of the heart, and
can paralyze the lungs. Prompt treatment is essential for any
victim of a rattlesnake bite. Different species of rattlesnake
vary significantly with respect to temperament. Some are relatively
docile, while some are quite aggressive when challenged.
Above Images Are From The US Fish & Wildlife Service
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