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Newborn Rattlesnakes Make Their Debut in Colorado’s Fascinating “Mega Den”

Newborn Rattlesnakes Make Their Debut in Colorado’s Fascinating “Mega Den”
  • PublishedAugust 29, 2024

A “mega den” of rattlesnakes in Colorado is expanding with the arrival of newborns, giving scientists and the general public a rare glimpse into the lives of these often misunderstood creatures. Located on a rocky hillside, the den is home to thousands of rattlesnakes, including newly born pups now slithering alongside their mothers.

Researchers and viewers can watch these young rattlesnakes make their first appearances via a livestream provided by Project RattleCam, a collaboration between California Polytechnic State University, Central Coast Snake Services, and Dickinson College. The live feed, which has been running since May, has captivated many who are assisting scientists in identifying individual snakes, including “Woodstock,” “Thea,” and “Agent 008.”

The project’s goal is to challenge the common perception of rattlesnakes as fierce and dangerous. Experts explain that these reptiles rarely bite unless provoked and engage in complex social behaviors such as “babysitting.” Pregnant females frequently guard newborn snakes, a behavior uncommon among reptiles, providing protection and warmth until the young are ready to hibernate in mid-autumn.

Max Roberts, a graduate student researcher at CalPoly, witnessed these protective behaviors firsthand. “We regularly see what we like to call ‘babysitting,'” claimed Roberts. The researchers are also investigating how temperature changes and UV light affect rattlesnake behavior, with the assistance of up to 500 online viewers at once.

The livestream will continue until November, when the snakes retreat into their den for winter. Until then, viewers can tune in to witness the fascinating world of these enigmatic reptiles, helping to dispel the myths surrounding them and shed light on their complex lives.

With input from the Associated Press and Newsweek.

Written By
Joe Yans