Unprecedented Look at Rattlesnake Behavior
Thousands of pregnant rattlesnakes have gathered in a Colorado “mega-den,” and a live stream is capturing this extraordinary event. Launched by California Polytechnic State University, the “RattleCam” offers an unfiltered view of up to 2,000 rattlesnakes at a remote site in northern Colorado.
“This is one of the biggest dens we know of,” said Emily Taylor, a Cal Poly biology professor leading the Project RattleCam research.
Unique glimpse into serpent life
The live stream provides a rare look into the lives of these expectant mothers, who will give birth in August. Unlike most reptiles, these rattlesnakes are born alive, not hatched from eggs. They will stay in the den with their mothers until the male snakes return in September for hibernation, which will mark the end of the live stream until next spring.
Engaging wildlife experience
Viewers can watch the snakes bask, interact, and even cuddle in the Colorado sun. The stream may also capture rare events, such as predators attempting to infiltrate the den and snakes drinking raindrops off their coiled bodies. For those deeply interested in rattlesnakes, a smaller den in California also has a re-activated camera for the third summer.
“This livestream allows us to collect data on wild rattlesnakes without disturbing them, facilitating unbiased scientific discovery,” Taylor explained. “But even more important is that members of the public can watch wild rattlesnakes behaving as they naturally do, helping to combat the biased imagery we see on television shows of rattling, defensive, and stressed snakes interacting with people who are provoking them.”
Taylor hopes the stream will shift perceptions about rattlesnakes, showing them as social animals that care for their babies and each other. “I try to speak up for the underdog and to show people that rattlesnakes have this other side that’s really worthy of our admiration,” said Taylor.
The live stream offers an unprecedented opportunity to observe rattlesnake behavior and understand these often misunderstood creatures better.