Rattlesnakes

Combat ritual between two male Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis oreganos) on the Anniversary trail at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. Portola Valley, California.

Here are some stills of them:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/candiedwomanire/139896417/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/candiedwomanire/139896364/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/candiedwomanire/139896278/

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• snake
• reptile
• rattlesnake
• wildlife
• herp
• hike
• hiking
• california
• combat
• ritual

[endico]

They didn't bite, they just pushed each other.

[ahardy93955]

that was me in that air plane:)

[SyPer84]

@SavageHmr 99% of bites are from stupid people who think they can handle the snakes. they can feal vibrations on the ground and will run and hide before they bite. best thing is to just leave them alone.

[AtarahDerek]

And I think we have a winner!

Rattlers wrestling for dominance make them a prime example of a Lawful Neutral--neither good nor evil, but they adhere strictly to a personal code of honor.

[surfsoccer11]

theyre trying to be cobras

[SyPer84]

@3Mudbone1 Yes your right i was manly talking about the US. But there are snakes like the Bushmaster is south America, the King Cobra, and mammals like the Tasmanian devil, and the Wolverine witch have been known to chase people. I have studied animals from the time i was 5, worked at zoo's, was in a marine biology school for 3 years and have traveled the world in the Navy. Im always open to learn more, and help people know more about the things around them.

[3Mudbone1]

@SyPer84 Yeah I live in the woods, I know all about animals. I have bears and dozens of other species right here on my land, and I am a professional wildlife control operator. I have spent more time in the woods than 99% of people ever will, but I was curious if someone who may know more than poisonous snakes would know about dogs getting bitten. In Sri Lanka there are some little snakes which are not only not afraid, but will come after YOU. I also have more time at sea than 99% of people.

[SyPer84]

@3Mudbone1 Dogs and cats do get bit from time to time but only because they corner the snake and mess with it. Most animals will run from anything bigger then it in the wild even bears. So walk with a heavy foot, watch your step and have fun with nature its nothing to fear. People only fear what they don't understand.

[3Mudbone1]

@SyPer84 Do peoples' dogs get bitten much? My dogs chase garter snakes on my land, but they seem a little afraid of them. I am happy that there are no poisonous snakes in western Washington state.

[Khumbu06]

I believe that's a mating dance, not a combat ritual...

[thegools]

What luck to come upon that.

[BowCamTreeCam]

I was hoping to see how they handled a number 7 1/2 shot from a 12 gauge.