You read correctly! Ovoviviparous rattlesnakes have live young. Rattlesnakes keep their eggs until the juvenile snakes are completely developed, unlike many other snakes.
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They Give Live Birth
The snake gains segments as it develops. The snake's tail segments make the rattling sound when shaken, warning predators away.
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The Rattle s Function is More Than Meets the Eye
Rattlesnakes don't always rattle before hitting. Some attack quietly, so depending on the rattling sound for protection might be perilous. Distance is always best.
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Silence is Golden, and Sometimes Deadly
Rattlesnakes are pit vipers. Their heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nose help them discover prey. Like wearing thermal goggles all the time!
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Heat-Sensing Pit Vipers
Snakes may choose to inject poison during bites. Dry bites are not poisonous and may indicate poor venom stores. As a medical emergency, every snake bite should be handled.
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Venom Control is a Thing
About fifty times a second is the amazing pace at which a rattlesnake can shake its tail! That is quicker than the wing-flap of a hummingbird.
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They Have Serious Tail Speed
The environment benefits from rattlesnakes limiting rodent numbers. Without them, rats may devastate our surrounds.
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Ecosystem Balancers
Rattlesnakes paralyze victims with their poison, not simply for defense. After biting, they follow their target by smell while waiting for the poison to work.
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Born Hunters
In the wild, rattlesnakes may survive for up to 15 to 20 years, depending on the species and environmental factors. What a rattling lot it is!
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They Have Impressive Lifespans