Journey To A Timber Rattlesnake Den

Timber rattlesnakes are threatened through much of their range. While these venomous snakes are dangerous if they bite you, they are not aggressive. Their den sites are very important for the health of their populations, as they are used annually, and as birthing sites for their live young. When we find one, we keep it's location a closely guarded secret. On this journey, Michael and Matt set out to visit a known timber rattlesnake den, and end up discovering a new one they had no idea was there! The den contained at least 20 individuals that they could see, possibly more hidden in the rocks. This can make exploring them a bit risky if you step too closely to one unseen under a rock. But they did their best to get their cameras in close so you can get an intimate look at what one of these den sites looks like, and some close up footage of the residents. Perhaps, if we are lucky, they wil visit it again in the fall to see the snakes as they are giving live birth to their young!
#rattlesnakes #herping #wildlife