The most obvious reason to be doubtful of this claim stems from rattlesnakes and pigs not commonly living in the same areas. Pigs would have to be eating rattlers in such great numbers as to affect a change in instinct that would in turn spark an evolutionary development - as occurred with the Santa Catalina rattlesnake. Snake safety pointers We mentioned perhaps the most basic fact of snake safety above. But we'd be remiss if we failed to give you all some more comprehensive tips for snake safety, whether they're rattling at you or not.
Per the instructions of Texas Parks and Wildlife, the best way to avoid poisonous snakes is to keep your lawn trimmed low, as these reptiles thrive in tall-bladed grass. Debris, rock and wood piles also tend to attract them. As previously noted, most snakes found in Texas, even the most venomous ones, aren't naturally inclined to attack humans. Red-yellow coral snakes, being of the cobra family, are the possible the exception, but they're unlikely to get anywhere near your farm.
If you or someone accompanying you gets bitten, quick action will be your best ally. Know which snakes are most common in your area, so you can quickly tell medical professionals and they'll know which antidotes to use. Antivenom, antibiotics and any other doctor-prescribed remedies must be administered within four hours of the bite to be effective.
Once eight hours have passed, these countermeasures are, unfortunately, not helpful at all. Finally, although you can purchase antivenom and administer it to a bite victim, only do so if you have notable medical training - incorrect use can be extremely harmful or even deadly.
Solving the mystery of disappearing rattlesnake rattles. Rattlesnakes are no laughing matter for ranchers and farmers - whether they have their rattles or not. Even super-experienced outdoorsy types who see relatively high numbers of rattlesnakes each year are seeing a small fraction of those they walk right by.
This is a great example of confirmation bias. You then tell others this is the case, having first-hand experience on the matter, comment on Facebook, etc. What these anecdotes really look like is something much more simple to explain. Over the years, these people have simply become better at seeing rattlesnakes , and peaceful sightings of rattlesnakes just sitting silent, as they usually do, become more frequent.
Studies of how rattlesnakes respond to stress, specifically in urbanized areas , show that they are pretty good at learning and responding to these situations. When rattlesnakes are around a source of constant activity like a hiking trail, backyard, etc , they may have elevated levels of stress hormones, and behave differently.
These stressed snakes tend to spend more time under cover, making small movements and living a stealthy life. We see the evidence of this clearly in the yards of snowbirds seasonal Arizona residents who own homes in the desert areas and leave them unoccupied for half a year or more.
Upon investigation, we find that the snakes have always been there, but just learned to avoid the homeowners. Even something as simple as a car coming and going from the driveway each day seems to have a suppressive effect on visible rattlesnake activity at a home.
This is most noticeable in areas where long-term development, i. Because they have no reason to. Snake predation by feral hogs is most likely insignificant at best. While doing rattlesnake telemetry at the Chapparal Wildlife Management Area, I walked usually within a few feet and quite often a few inches up on numerous snakes, hundreds of times. I even stepped on rattlesnakes with radio-telemeters on a few occasions. I elicited a rattle on only occasions out of a thousand or so encounters and I never had one strike in the field, even when I stepped on it.
Rattling gives their presence away and it is the warning of last resort. Usually laying motionless and letting their cryptic coloration conceal them is their preferred method of remaining undetected. Most folks do not realize how many rattlesnakes they probably walk within inches of while in the field. I too have not seen as many snakes as usual this year.
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