What does it mean when a rattlesnake is coiled?

When rattlesnakes feel threatened, they will rattle their tails to make noise. This is an indication that they are willing to defend themselves. Rattlesnakes generally coil tightly before striking, as this protective position provides the best platform for which to launch a strike.

Why is my snake all coiled up?

When stretched out, their long thin bodies make snakes easy to catch by grabbing the tail which is too far from the head to be defended. For this reason snakes often coil up when basking and resting in the open. This is all designed to deter a predator while protecting the snake.

What do you do with a snake coil?

First, quickly observe the snake’s posture. A coiled rattler that is audibly shaking its tail (rattle) is probably preparing to strike. Or, at the very least, none too pleased. If this is the case, back away quickly but carefully—you don’t want to trip and fall in your haste to get away.

How far can a coiled snake strike?

As a rule of thumb, rattlesnakes can, at best, strike a distance of two-thirds their total body length. For example, a three foot long snake may be able to strike a distance of two feet.

How do rattlesnakes attack?

Confronted with prey, a rattlesnake actually attacks using two massive, hidden fangs. These fangs are actually hinged, so when he closes his mouth, they fold up. When he opens his mouth, they deploy at a 45-degree angle, allowing him to snap and strike at his opponent with a powerful bite.

Where do rattlesnakes nest?

Rattlesnakes cannot burrow, so they rely on naturally occurring holes to act as a home during the winter months when the snakes hibernate. Small caves, gopher holes, rocky crevices and other such formations can act as homes for rattlesnakes during the winter.

What is the size of a rattlesnake?

Rattlesnakes are found from southern Canada to central Argentina but are most abundant and diverse in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults usually vary in length from 0.5 to 2 metres (1.6 to 6.6 feet), but some can grow to 2.5 metres (8.2 feet).

What is a rattlesnake bit?

A rattlesnake bite is perhaps one of the scariest snake bites in the world. In fact, rattlesnakes are almost seen as the pitbulls of the snake world. Being afraid of a rattlesnake bite is just normal, as a rattlesnake bite can be fatal enough kill a grown man and even big animals like a wolf or a coyote in some cases.