Crotalus Horridus: The Timber Rattlesnake (Episode 2)

This week on Record West Virginia we take a look at the official Reptile of the Mountain State; the docile but deadly Timber Rattlesnake! Find out some interesting facts about these fascinating creatures including how their venom works and what you and this snake have in common!
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[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for sharing. Several years ago, I was with a friend target shooting next to a creek bank when we noticed a Timber Rattlesnake in a cluster of fallen leaves. We gave the snake his space and just watched it. Apparently, it didn't feel threatened because it didn't change its posture. That was one of the most interesting encounters I've had with any snake.

[@lostinthewoods7369]

Very well done video! They are definitely the most iconic reptile in the U.S. in my book and that is one of the many things about them that gets me so excited when I find them. Great job and thank you for painting them in the realistic light they deserve as opposed to the fear mongering light that they are shined in way too often.

[@RecordWestVirginia]

They are one of my favorite snake species! Thank you so much for watching and glad you enjoyed.

[@jmac6248]

The venom of rattlesnakes is an amazing product of evolution, I’m glad you touched on that, Mr. Napier. Probably my favorite episode!

[@RecordWestVirginia]

This was one of the most fun to film. Thanks for watching!

[@immersionsoundscapes]

Another interesting episode! Had no idea that they withheld biting as a last resort. Still not planning on playing with one, but good to know! Looking forward to next week

[@RecordWestVirginia]

Thanks for watching!

[@ethannapier2316]

So much I didn’t know about snakes; you learn something new everyday. Keep em coming!

[@RecordWestVirginia]

Thanks for watching! That's our goal to educate and entertain at the same time!

[@AppalachianOddity]

Excellent! The 'Record West Virginia' series has quite the variety of topics! I found this one very interesting and informative. Snakes come up from time to time in my WV research, like the Pentecostal snake handlers for example. I didn't know that this snake specifically was the one used to represent independence back in the beginnings of the US but it makes sense. How cool!

[@RecordWestVirginia]

Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words. I've been watching some of the stuff on your channel as well. Really enjoyed the Grafton video. And yeah the Snake handlers are pretty fascinating. Out of the 6 rattlesnake-related deaths in WV since the 70s, five of them were related to snake handling church services.

[@tammysultimateimage4842]

Very interesting, never knew that about the don't tread on me flag...makes it very significant to our Nation and those who stand for her freedoms.

[@RecordWestVirginia]

That was one of the things we found really interesting too! Thanks for watching!

[@CodyCheyenneNapier]

It’s probably a good thing they didn’t let me do my own stunts this episode.

[@RecordWestVirginia]

Those snakes couldn't even pierce your muscles lol

[@toddandangelbrowning2920]

The last two tubers I have seen, did not rattle at all! So be careful, they don’t always rattle.

[@inmyopinion651]

My uncle Fred lost 2 fingers to a timber rattler probably 80 years ago but as a kid I remember the story. Cutting timber used to be a real tough job.

[@RecordWestVirginia]

I know my Papaw Frank used to always tell a story about being in the woods one day cutting Timber and killing dozens of rattlers a day. Although, we are hoping our episode teaches people that's not necessary.

[@inmyopinion651]

@@RecordWestVirginia Yep Pawpaw Franks brother was uncle Fred.

[@invictus2578]

Can tell your a democrat

[@RecordWestVirginia]

On a video about Rattlesnakes? 😂

[@invictus2578]

@@RecordWestVirginia Yeah from the Gaston flag remark only a Democrat would remark that

[@RecordWestVirginia]

@@invictus2578 Idk if you know this or not but that remark about the Gadsden Flag is made by Dr. Waldron. Not, our host Mr. Napier or anyone on our production team.

[@invictus2578]

@@RecordWestVirginia Whatever you say that flag still means exactly what it says don’t tread on me

[@RecordWestVirginia]

@@invictus2578 Again that comment is hers, not ours. But, it is not unusual for symbols and flags to take on different uses and meanings throughout time. While, the meaning of the flag hasn't really changed, in my opinion, it has been used by MANY different groups from a wide range of political ideologies. In the United States alone over the last 100 years, the flag has been used by libertarians, classical liberals, as well as proponents of small government, and conservatives. So, I do not agree with her that the flag has changed but those who identify with the flag have changed many, many times, which I believe was the point she was trying to make.