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Scrapbook. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Reporter/Designer: . Table of Contents. Introduction 3 I’m Unique! 4 The Hunter 5 The Hunted 6 Habitat 7 Conclusion 8 Quick Facts 9 Bibliography 10. Introduction.
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Scrapbook Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Reporter/Designer:
Table of Contents Introduction 3 I’m Unique! 4 The Hunter 5 The Hunted 6 Habitat 7 Conclusion 8 Quick Facts 9 Bibliography 10
Introduction WARNING! You are about to enter the domain of the king of southwestern rattlers! The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is : the most feared of all the rattlesnakes; a silent, deadly hunter; enjoyed as a meal by some and is an enemy to others, and is well adapted to a variety of habitats. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
I’m Unique! The western diamondback rattlesnake has a fierce reputation. This is due to its size, its aggressive defense mode, and deadly bite. Diamondback rattlers are the largest rattlesnakes in North America reaching a length of up to seven feet. It will stand its ground when threatened and strike when its warning is not heeded . People are bitten by this aggressive snake more than any other poisonous snake in the United States. To some, a bite from this snake is fatal! This rattler’s aggressive behavior and deadly bite works well for defense, but these skills are also essential for the hunt come feeding time. spade shaped head rattle at end of tail diamond shaped blotches along back circled black and white bands on tail Drawing of a Western Diamondback rattlesnake with identifying characteristics labeled
heat sensing facile pits The Hunter Up close and personal with a Western Diamondback Rattler In late evening or early morning, this silent killer will slither along a well traveled trail, the deadly Diamondback Rattler waits in ambush for any unsuspecting small mammal (such as mice, prairie dogs, rabbits) coming from or returning to its burrow. This dangerous hunter will flick its tongue smelling for the scent left by its prey. If it finds nothing along the trail, it will go to the burrow and maneuver its way through the tunnels like a heat seeking missile (it comes equipped with heat sensing facile pits) in search of prey. Once it has eaten, the Western Diamondback will go several weeks before it is on the hunt again. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on the move
Although the Western Diamondback is a deadly, fierce predator, it can find itself (especially the young) as prey to eagles, hawks, roadrunners, wild turkeys, other snakes, coyotes, foxes, badgers, and feral hogs. If it isn’t being eaten, it may find itself stomped to death by deer, antelope, cows, horses, and sometimes even sheep. These animals know the danger a Diamondback can pose, so they set out to eradicate it before it can conflict its deadly bite upon them. The king of rattlesnakes is the hunter and the hunted in a varied habitat. The Hunted Roadrunner eating a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Habitat Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on a rocky ledge When it comes to places to live, the Western Diamondback is versatile in its choice of habitats. It likes to hang out around the communities of small mammals so it has a good food source. Desert flats, rocky hillsides, forested areas, and river bottoms throughout the southwestern states and Mexico are idea habitats for the Western Diamondback. During winter, hundreds of these critters will get all cozy in a community den located in a cave or rocky recess. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Conclusion Known as the king of the rattlesnakes, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is an aggressive reptile that is feared by most , hunted by some, beneficial to man and found across the southwestern states and Mexico. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Quick Facts • Live birth • Young are armed and dangerous at birth • Young left to fend for themselves at birth (New studies are indicating that this may not be accurate) • Fangs grow back if broken off • Can live more than 20 years
Bibliography (August 16, 2002). Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Retrieved March 15, 2009, from CALM California Living Museum Web site: www.calmzoo.org/stories/storyReader$271?print... Ivanyi, Craig (2006-2009), Rattlesnakes. Retrieved March 15, 2009, from Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum Web site: http://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_rattlesnakes.php Lockard, Vicki (August 9, 2003). Greater Roadrunner. Retrieved March 15, 2009, from Canku Ota Web site: http://www.turtletrack.org/Issues03/Co08092003/CO_08092003_Roadrunner.htm Paprskar, Mindy. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Retrieved March 15, 2009, from Welcome to WhoZoo Web site: http://whozoo.org/AnlifeSS2001/mindpapr/MP_WesternDiamondback.html Sharp, Jay W. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Retrieved March 15, 2009, from Desert USA Web site: http://www.desertusa.com/mag01/jan/papr/rsnake.html Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Retrieved March 15, 2009, from UTA Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center Web site: http://biology.uta.edu/herpetology/western_diamondback_rattlesnake.htm