How to Know if a Rattlesnake is Ready to Strike

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[@brianwaldo2642]

Those rattlesnakes have the same demeanour as my ex 😂.

[@nancybrown2700]

I loved the commentary and especially even more I loved the slide show of so many gorgeous species. THANKS for the good work you do.

[@dann409]

Youve made the point. All rattlers can strike at anytime.

[@azjohn520]

I’m seeing a pattern develop here….😂

[@GalootWrangler]

“If you’re close enough to read this sign you’re too close.”

[@MsRedNebulaPlays]

That white speckled rattlesnake is GORGEOUS. And fun little video too. :)

[@cathyb1273]

That almost white speckled rattler with white eyes too was just stunning. Across your videos, I have seen blue, pink, beige but white never wow ! ❤

[@deed5811]

1:31 that speckled is gorgeous! 😍

[@mikefetterman6782]

The bane of my existence at the zoo for 20+ years was, "Does it bite", or "Can it bite? "Any animal that has a mouth can bite whenever it needs to." I point out to the visitors, that the person sitting next to them has a mouth full of bacteria and they could bite you and kill you from massive infections. Instead of worrying about the snake that barely moves, worry more about the people you come in contact with. They could kill you!

[@CandyLindTX]

I love it when you use your dry humor to make a point, and make it well. I’m bookmarking this video and I’m going to beseige all the nervous nellies in the ID group with it. 🤣

[@adenansu]

Before starting the video: Always. A few seconds in to video: Ah, well played.

[@KeystrokePOSSoftware]

It's a rattlesnake - it's always ready to strike! Even when in a position making a strike impossible, it's still ready!

[@VTPSTTU]

You have some beautiful rattlesnake pictures. I love the light-colored speckled rattlesnakes.

[@Asenath330]

I think most rattlesnakes are ready to strike.

[@QuarrellaDeVil]

Well, hell, I'd buy a shirt with "It's ready to strike!" on it. Compare with "It's a moccasin!" and "Look out, it'll throw its quills!"

[@mrbuckmeister]

You made a great point, especially from a safety point of view. It may be better to describe the posture being described as a warning. It's similar to a growling dog or treat displays made by other animals like Silverback Gorillas, bears,..... All are attempts to send the message, I am not comfortable with you being close to me, go away.

[@smscoal8579]

The black tail has beautiful colors but the speckled are my favorite. Great educational video. Thanks!

[@matthewcarey7323]

OMG, all these snakes were chasing me as well!! 🤣🤣🤣 Love it when you do these videos Bryan! 🐍🐍

[@DesertStacker]

Good point but show the the other half,if you back off and leave them alone most likely they are going to crawl off or ignore you😮

[@loganfields4140]

Gm love your videos watching your videos have me more curious about snakes in general even though im afraid of them lol ill be in phoenix az soon hope to meet you guys you guys are awesome at what you do i dont see many snakes here in denver where i live

[@kellysimon91]

So true! I wouldn’t want to be near one that is sleeping-as it could be ready to strike

[@davemazza791]

Always so interesting these vids… keep em coming!

[@davemazza791]

Menacing looking little creatures they are! 🥹😃 👍🏽❤️🐍

[@martykitson3442]

lol 🤠🐍🐍

[@silverwings1843]

Head down..no problem. Even if rattling to let you know he is there. Head and first coil up and cocked, he's ready to rumble. On pine straw he has up to 1 and 1/2 his length to get you. They are not that mean and just want to be left alone mostly. If his eyes are glazed over in shed: WATCH OUT!!!

[@tricross6]

Love the pictures and your comments are well received. I was able to identify the specs pretty easily, but I could not tell what made the Mojave different from a Western Diamondback.

[@KimSpurre104]

Thank you for all the beautiful rattlesnakes! Yes, I already knew when I saw the title of this video that the answer would be: ready to strike anytime anywhere. In fact, it can get you when it’s dead if you touch the head. (😂 accidental rhyme.)

[@SawyersHerpetology]

I think the main point here is to know the behavior of the individual animals that you're working with and use your safety equipment: tongs, hooks, gloves, etc.

[@sweetnsoft81]

Now what is the difference in striking distance curled up vs like crawling across the street? I know that they can strike up to 1/2 it's body length. Is there a difference with all the positions you showed?

[@terry.c]

I'm not an expert, and I don't claim to be, but of the venomous snakes I've photographed that struck at me or my tools I always noticed their eyes were dilated. The ones with their eyes still normal didn't strike at all, even if they were rattling. Have you noticed this as well or is it a coincidence? I believe most animal eyes do this as it allows more light to enter the eyes. Just a thought! Definitely doesn't mean that the narrowest slit eyes can't still bite you, but they might be a little more calm at the time.

[@pearlrawson8636]

This is very interesting. I would have never guessed if they are lying flat on the ground (stretched out flat) they are ready to strike! Thank you for always teaching us about rattlesnakes.

[@sweetnsoft81]

I know that not all rattlesnakes also rattle before they strike and that is from first hand experience. I was about 5 to 10 feet away when walking in the opposite direction that a snake struck out at me. I wasn't bit, but it definitely was interesting that it felt threatened enough to strike.

[@gregengel1616]

So what exactly are you trying to say here?:-)

[@mindstormme7840]

Yes, yes the chap keeps mumbling something and beating around the bush. Just spit it out man and tell us what’s the main point!!!

[@stevestewart4187]

Ha! Reminds me of your video where you approach 50 snakes and they all run away from you

[@lisaperrin3298]

Always enjoy watching your videos ❤😊

[@LonC1966]

Those are some beautiful snakes. Thank you for sharing.

[@KathyDragel-v5d]

Moral of the story: ALL rattlesnakes at ALL times are ready to strike!

[@chanvalentine8283]

Wow the blacktailed rattlesnake was beautiful.

[@Blend-24]

Awesome! Great way to get the point across!!

[@jeromeschwartz3699]

It’s cool that you do videos like this!

[@DesertNebula]

This got me anxious