What Does A Rattlesnake Hiss Mean? Understanding Rattlesnake Communication

The distinct rattle of a rattlesnake is enough to make your blood run cold. That unmistakable warning sound puts fear into the hearts of many, telling potential predators to steer clear. But is a rattlesnake’s hiss as simple as it seems?

Understanding the nuances of rattlesnake communication can help keep you safe in rattlesnake territory.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: A rattlesnake’s hiss serves multiple purposes beyond just warning off predators. It can also help rattlesnakes find mates, communicate with their young, and share information among groups.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about rattlesnake hisses, including the various meanings and contexts behind these spine-chilling sounds.

The Reasons Behind Rattling

Warning Predators

Rattlesnakes shake their tails and rattle as a warning signal to predators. The rattling sound serves to caution predators that they have been detected and that the snake may strike in defense if approached further.

According to the US Geological Survey, young rattlesnakes shed their skin frequently, which means the rattle may not be fully formed. So smaller rattlesnakes may hiss loudly to compensate for their weaker rattle.

Rattling is a way for rattlesnakes to avoid potential confrontations which may injure them.

Attracting Mates

Rattlesnakes also use rattling to attract potential mates. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, male eastern diamondback rattlesnakes increase their rattling during mating season to attract females by advertising their presence.

The more they rattle, the more attractive they may seem as mates. Loud rattling also tells rival males that the area is already occupied by a male snake defending its territory.

Communicating with Young

Mother rattlesnakes may rattle as a way to communicate with their offspring. Baby rattlesnakes learn important behavioral cues from their mother, including how to effectively use their rattle. For example, when the babies go out on their first hunts, the mother may rattle to round up the babies and keep them close for protection.

Maternal rattling allows mother and babies to maintain contact.

Social Functions

Rattling allows groups of rattlesnakes to interact and coordinate essential behaviors. According to a 2017 study, rattlesnakes can identify relatives from strangers based on their distinct rattling sounds. Rattling helps the snakes gather valuable social information.

They may also shake their tails rapidly without rattling as another visual signal. Ultimately, the snake’s rattle serves a vital social function and facilitates relationships and group cohesion.

When Rattlesnakes Rattle

As a Warning

Rattlesnakes often rattle as a warning to potential predators when they feel threatened. The unique sound of their rattle serves to alert predators to back off and leave the snake alone. Rattling gives would-be predators advance notice that they are dealing with a venomous snake before a bite might occur.

This benefits both the snake and the predator by avoiding unnecessary conflict. Studies have shown that around 75% of rattlesnake bites occur when the snake is startled or provoked in some way, rather than being an intentional attack, so the rattle can prevent many dangerous encounters if heeded.

When Courting

Interestingly, rattlesnakes also rattle during courtship rituals. When male rattlesnakes are courting and mating with females, they will vibrate their tails rapidly to produce a buzzing sound. This shows the female that the male is of the same species, as the unique rattle serves as an identifying characteristic.

Rattling during courtship also lets the female locate the male precisely, as the sound carries well over distance. The male may rattle incessantly for hours on end to entice the female into mating. So in springtime, if you hear an unmistakable rattling reverberating through the landscape, it may just be lovesick snakes!

To Find Their Young

Female rattlesnakes will also rattle to communicate with their young after giving birth. Baby rattlesnakes are born without a functioning rattle or the special interlocking segments that produce the noise. However, they still have the reflex to vibrate their tails when threatened.

Mother rattlesnakes will therefore rattle to help guide their offspring back to the den site if they wander off. The babies instinctively move towards the familiar rattle of their mother, which helps keep the new babies safe.

Researchers have observed this fascinating nurturing behavior in the wild, showing the rattle serves an important purpose within rattlesnake families.

In Groups

Rattling also facilitates communication between groups of rattlesnakes. As social creatures, rattlesnakes will often den together in the same winter burrows, and migrate together to summertime feeding grounds in the spring.

When traveling in large numbers, the snakes will rattle back and forth to each other, potentially as a locating mechanism or to warn of nearby threats. One study in New Mexico observed up to 68 rattlesnakes all rattling in a coordinated manner!

So the rattle allows the snakes to essentially “talk” to each other and move as an interconnected group.

Differences Between Species

Eastern Diamondback

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) is the largest venomous snake in North America. Adults average 3-6 feet in length, with some growing over 7 feet long. Their most distinguishing feature is the diamond pattern along the back with brownish gray and black coloring.

Eastern diamondbacks have a very loud rattle to scare off threats. Studies show they sense prey by detecting scent particles in the air using their forked tongues. When hunting small mammals, birds and other prey, they lie patiently in ambush before striking suddenly.

If threatened, an eastern diamondback coils up and rubs segmented rattles on its tail to issue an ominous warning.

Western Diamondback

The western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) resides in desert areas and dry grasslands of the southwestern United States. Reaching lengths over 7 feet, it has a similar diamond pattern but is usually paler in color compared to its eastern cousin. Westerns tend to be more irritable.

Reportedly, their venom can incapacitate prey in just a few seconds from neurotoxins and hemotoxins which destroy tissue. However, antivenom exists to treat serious bites. When threatened, the western diamondback vibrates its tail rapidly to create the distinctive rattling sound.

Studies reveal they can sense prey such as rodents from 30 feet away by detecting infrared heat signatures.

Sidewinder

Surviving in harsh desert climates, the sidewinder rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes) seldom grows over 2 feet long. Named after its unusual sideways slithering movement, the sidewinder uses this to navigate shifting sands and dunes.

Its horned scales above the eyes help anchor it in loose soil when striking prey with sudden sideways lunges. Sidewinders mainly feed on lizards and rodents. Their neurotoxic venom rapidly immobilizes smaller prey.

Due to their smaller size, sidewinders are more prone to falls from predator attacks and have a shorter lifespan. When threatened, they coil tightly, hide their heads underneath, and produce an unnerving rattling sound as warning.

Timber Rattlesnake

Timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) populate dense woodlands across eastern and midwestern North America. Adults average 3-4 feet in length with dark bands contrasting light brown skin, assisting their camouflage among fallen leaves and brush.

Using facial pits to sense prey’s body heat at close range, they patiently ambush passing small mammals and birds. Their venom has potent neurotoxins and hemotoxins to quickly subdue victims. Although timbers are not overly aggressive, they stand their ground when confronted and can deliver painful bites.

Rapid tail vibrating creates the familiar rattling noise to scare off intruders. However, habitat loss has made timbers increasingly rare sightings.

As we can see, rattlesnake species have adapted with specialized traits and behaviors to thrive in their native environments. The key similarities connecting them all are using venom to subdue prey and rattling as warnings when feeling threatened.

To learn more from professional herpetologists, visit sites like:

• https://www.desertmuseum.org/center/rattlesnakes.php
• https://www.easterncoloradoreptiles.com/rattlesnakes

Their research provides deeper insight into rattlesnake communication signals and life histories. Stay safe around these iconic desert dwellers by giving them distance and respect!

What to Do Upon Hearing a Rattle

Pinpoint the Location

If you hear the distinctive rattle of a rattlesnake, the first thing to do is try to locate where the sound is coming from. Listen closely and use your eyes to carefully scan the area around you. Rattlesnakes often camouflage themselves in bushes, tall grass, or rocks.

Trying to pinpoint the snake’s location will allow you to keep a safe distance.

Freeze and Observe

Once you’ve located the snake, freeze in place. Sudden movements may provoke the snake to strike in defense. Also, avoid getting too close to the snake – remain at least 5-6 feet away. If you can, try to observe the snake’s body language. Is it coiled and rattling?

This defensive posture means it feels threatened. Or is it simply rattling its tail while remaining still? This may indicate a warning rattle rather than an imminent attack.

Slowly Back Away

When dealing with a rattlesnake encounter, the safest option is almost always to back away slowly to allow the snake a clear path of retreat. Avoid turning your back or running away quickly, as this may startle the snake.

According to the National Park Service, backing away calmly but steadily puts about 10 feet between you and the snake every minute. This gradual withdrawal often prevents the snake from striking in self-defense. Always maintain visual contact as you create distance between yourself and the rattler.

Rattlesnakes typically only bite when provoked, so giving them space is key. But hearing that unmistakable rattle should alert you to exercise extreme caution. Remaining calm, locating the snake, freezing to observe, and slowly backing away can help defuse the tense situation.

Acting wisely upon hearing a rattle can literally save lives. 👍

Conclusion

A rattlesnake’s hiss is far more nuanced than many realize. Beyond just scaring off predators, it facilitates mating, parenting, and socialization. Understanding the varied contexts of rattling can help you respond appropriately if you ever have a close rattlesnake encounter.

While the chilling rattle induces fear, rattlesnakes don’t want to bite unless provoked. Give them space, don’t make sudden moves, and you can appreciate these captivating creatures from a safe distance.

Just be sure to familiarize yourself with what their rattles mean so you can hear them loud and clear.