Tag

Snake Behavior

All articles tagged with #snake behavior

science-and-nature1 year ago•2 min saved

Live Webcam Streams 2,000 Rattlesnakes in Colorado 'Mega-Den'

Scientists have set up a webcam in a Colorado rattlesnake "mega den" with up to 2,000 reptiles to study their behavior and improve understanding of these often-maligned creatures. The project, led by Cal Poly researchers, allows for non-intrusive observation and community science contributions. The den, located on private land, provides a unique opportunity to observe rattlesnakes' social behaviors, maternal care, and interactions with predators.

via The Guardian|

#colorado #rattlesnakes #science-and-nature

biology1 year ago•2 min saved

Rare Encounter: Two Coral Snakes Engage in Unprecedented Prey Battle

In a first-of-its-kind observation, two red-tailed coral snakes were documented engaging in kleptoparasitism, or food theft, as they competed over a caecilian in the wild. The snakes, part of the Elapidae family, were observed in a tug-of-war over the amphibian in the dense rainforests of western Colombia. This behavior, typically seen more in captivity, sheds light on coral snake interactions with prey species and highlights the challenges of observing such elusive reptiles in their natural habitats.

via Phys.org|

#biology #coral-snakes #elapidae

science2 years ago•1 min saved

"Uncovering the Lethal Mechanics: Slow-Motion Footage Reveals Snake Attack Strategies"

Scientist Bill Ryerson spent years filming slow-motion footage of snakes attacking their prey to reveal how they kill. His research using high-speed cameras showed that snakes are either "strikers" or "lungers," and their teeth shape, position, and size can predict the speed and direction of their strike. "Strikers" attack at lightning speed from above, impaling their prey with needlelike teeth before injecting venom or squeezing the animal to death, while "lungers" strike more slowly and make contact with both jaws simultaneously. Ryerson's work sheds light on how snakes' teeth are significant to their killing behavior and was recently published in a book on snake morphology and ecology.

via PetaPixel|

#herpetology #science #slow-motion-footage