Texas Rattlesnake Coloring Page

texas rattlesnake animal coloring pages

The rattlesnake is one of those animals, along with wild turkeys, wolves, alligators, and grizzly bears, that comes to mind when thinking about wild America. Snakes are an important part of the natural food chain, eating a great variety of prey, from rats and birds to frogs and other reptiles.

The rattlesnake is a kind of snake, a reptile . About 50 kinds of rattlesnakes are known. The rattlesnake is not aggressive but like most animals it will defend itself when it feels threatened. The venom of the rattlesnake is a hemotoxin (blood poison).

The rattlesnake is best identified by its triangular-shaped head and the obvious rattle. It is heavy-bodied and usually small. The rattlesnake is an important ecological constituent because they help to eradicate plague-ridden rodents. Although the snake is venomous, it represents only a small hazard to man because of its secretive habits.

The rattlesnake is essentially a ground dweller and seeks refuge at night and during the winter in a crevice in the rocks or a hole in the ground. Occasionally a number collect together in a favorable location, forming one of the rattlesnake "dens" really more common in folklore than fact.

The rattlesnake is generally quiet and slow, even lethargic, and likes to spend much of its time in some warm, sunny spot, as on a rocky outcrop. In such a place, too, it waits for prey. As a general rule, rattlesnakes never strike over half the size of their length, which is generally about 12 inches.

The rattlesnake is the only reptile with a rattle and is the best known of the pit viper. Unfortunately it is also one of the most feared snakes and is often irrationally killed. The rattlesnake is actually dwindling in numbers in recent years and many parts of North America are trying encourage their numbers. Yes, they are poisonous to the bite, but they also help keep much of North America rodent-free.