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Rattlesnake Non-rattling Study
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by FSB on February 5, 2010
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Is anyone aware of an actual research study on the phenomenom of rattlesnakes not sounding their rattles [presumably increasing their chances of survival by not attracting the attention of nearby rednecks] having been conducted fairly recently - perhaps in Texas? I`m asking on behalf of our friendly neighborhood DNR officer who needs the info for a case he's working on. Meanwhile, I'm all ready to get snowed in this weekend, so let's get some interesting threads going on here... Thanks, folks.
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RE: Rattlesnake Non-rattling Study
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by FSB on February 5, 2010
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OK, so I found out from Marty Martin about one such study done by Legere and Ball in Big Bend. Any others?
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RE: Rattlesnake Non-rattling Study
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by agkistrodude on February 5, 2010
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I've often heard this as theory, that over the years, the noisy ones were killed, and the quiet ones were left unnoticed to spread their "quiet " genetics. I've never heard of a study on it though. It would seem that it would take many generations to complete. Take care, Marty
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RE: Rattlesnake Non-rattling Study
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by Buzztail1 on February 5, 2010
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If you should happen to get your hands on this study, I would be greatly interested in seeing it.
Thank,
R/
Karl
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RE: Rattlesnake Non-rattling Study
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by pictigaster1 on February 5, 2010
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On what could a study like this possibly stand.Seems like more of a half cocked idea.Who is to say how much any rattler ever rattled.Some spook more than others.The idea on SA forums was they were stopping to rattle to keep from being killed by some one hearing them.Pure crap if you ask me.
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RE: Rattlesnake Non-rattling Study
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by LarryDFishel on February 5, 2010
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Seems to me you could get a pretty good idea whether it was happening or not (but not conclusively prove why) in less than one generation.
Collect a random sample of gravid females. Separate the babies at birth and raise them under identical conditions. See if there is a correlation between (human) population density where the mothers were collected and how much the offspring rattle...
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RE: Rattlesnake Non-rattling Study
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by pictigaster1 on February 5, 2010
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Larry how would that work captive animals act different.When man puts his hands on this the results would mean nothing at all.Almost every one here has collected a wild rattler that would never calm down.As well as crazy wild rattlers that a year later were like ball pythons in the cage.Then you have baby rattlers captive born that never stay calm as I have a atrox like that..This does seem like a good way to get some funding for some research ,that in the end would be worthless and prove nothing.That being said I would like to get others thoughts on this.I have been known to be full of crap and can be wrong I must admit.
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RE: Rattlesnake Non-rattling Study
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by lanceheads on February 5, 2010
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I don't buy the theory that rattlesnakes DON'T "sound their alarm" theory for survival for one second.
That IS a defensive mechanism to "protect" and insure their survival. Look at it this way, more animals/people would be bitten throughout history than not.
Captive rattlesnakes often, more than not, become acclimated NOT to rattle.
I, too, would like to see this study.
Randal
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RE: Rattlesnake Non-rattling Study
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by Crotalusssp on February 5, 2010
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Rattlesnakes, like any other animal, are different from their parents, this is just simple genetics. It is not hard to believe that some of these differences might include reduced/lacking rattling when encountered. It is also not difficult to believe that if some rattlers carried the trait not to rattle, that this would be an advantage by not drawing attention to themselves when humans are present. By not drawing attention to themselves, this would be an advantage that would increase chances of survival, thus increase chances for passing not rattling genes on to the next generation. I do agree that this would take several generations at least to become prevalent in a population, but the science is sound. Natural Selection of genes within a population can lead to changes genotypically phenotypically in a population. A scientific study, could/would surely confirm this idea as being completely possible. This is evolution in action. I would love to read any and all research on this subject, as the science is very sound.
Charles
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RE: Rattlesnake Non-rattling Study
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by pictigaster1 on February 5, 2010
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Back to the same question.From what point do you decide that this is a sound idea.Rattlesnakes were supposed to of developed the rattle to keep from being trampled on by the great herds.Then the groups dispersed in to the groups of animals we see today.So what we are hearing is a knowing gene.Giving rattlesnakes an alturistic view of themselves and there place on planet earth.Or at least there genes.Give me a break .Come on guys you have to have a better argument than that.What I see is a bunch of ideas based on someone seeing a rattle snake that was of a calm nature.I guess bull snakes that do not hiss are loosing that as well yet they still rattle there tail.Many species rattle there tail and are not rattlesnakes .So I still think we are going to have to hear alot more than that to convince me or anyone else.But you see to have developed a rattle in the first place ,the way it is said to of been done would require this all knowing gene as well so I am just not convinced .NEXT.
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