logo

Creepy video shows what is inside a rattlesnake's tail

Junie Sihlangu
Aug 30, 2018
11:17 A.M.

Have you ever wondered what makes the sound in a rattlesnake’s rattle? A father and son duo has answered the question using their YouTube channel.

Advertisement

On their channel called “What’s Inside?” they dissect a rattlesnake’s rattle. What they found was not what anyone was expecting.

When cut open the rattlesnake’s rattle it shows that it consists of a number of hollow, interlocked segments which are made of keratin protein. Keratin is the same substance that our nails are made out of.

The rattle is created by modifying the scales which cover the tip of the tail. When the “shaker” muscle in the tail contracts it makes the segments vibrate against each other, causing the rattling sound.

Advertisement

For more on this story go to our Twitter account @amomama_usa. The rattling sound is amplified only because the rattle segments are hollow.

There are no grains or little rocks inside the rattle. The segments are joined and made to strike each other with the help of their muscles.

A

can shake their rattles at the frequency of about 50 times per second. They can this motion for around three to four hours.

When the snake is born it has a “prebutton” at the end of its tail. This prebutton is replaced by a “button” after the first skin is shed away.

Advertisement

However, the snake can’t make a sound until at least a second segment is added when the skin is shed again. Every time the snake sheds its skin, a new rattle segment is added on the tail.

Rattlesnakes may shed their skin several times a year, depending on the food supply and growth rate. They belong to the Viperidae family.

There are about 30 species ranging in size from 1 to 7 feet and they can live for 25 years. The rattlesnake is native to the Americas.

Advertisement

They can be found in the wild and are common in Mexico and the southern US. They are usually found in open, rocky places.

Arizona is home to 13 species of the venomous reptile more than any other state. The state is also known to be home to the black Arizona rattlesnake.

An interesting fact about rattlesnakes is that they have very developed social and parenting skills, which is unusual for reptiles. Parents actually take care of their young together.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Keith Urban Steps Out with Rarely Seen Daughter Faith, 13, Who Looks Like His ‘Spitting Image,’ Igniting a Stir

April 26, 2024

Man Realizes His Wife Has No Idea She Is Holding Her Baby after Giving Birth – Story of the Day

April 04, 2024

How Courteney Cox, 59, Would Look If She Had Never Used Botox & Fillers: Photos via Al

May 02, 2024

Princess Catherine’s New Title, Valerie Bertinelli’s New Man, Tammy Slaton’s New Body & 5 More Top News of the Week

April 26, 2024

What's Going On with Bennifer: His Staying in a Separate Home, No Joint Pics in Weeks, Her 'Strained' Look & More

May 21, 2024

Malia Obama, 25, Flaunts Gorgeous Red Hair & Toned Figure in Sports Set on Hiking Trip: Photo

April 16, 2024

Runaway Twins Search Dumpster for Food, Find Old Jacket with Perfume Bottle in Its Pocket – Story of the Day

March 26, 2024

Sarah Jessica Parker, 59, Accepts Her Natural Aging Just like Her Mother Taught Her

March 25, 2024

Clint Eastwood Made Fans Sad with His ‘Untidy’ & ‘Unrecognizable’ Look – What Is Happening in His Life Now?

April 18, 2024

Mariska Hargitay, Mom of 3, Has Been Slammed for Getting ‘Fat’ Yet Loves Her ‘Curves’ & Beams in Form-Fitting Dress

February 16, 2024

How Michael Jackson Would Look without Plastic Surgery before His Passing At 50: Photo via AI

May 02, 2024

'1000-Lb. Sisters' Star Tammy Slaton Flaunts New 'So Thin' Figure in Swimwear after Losing 440 Lbs: Discussed Pic

April 26, 2024

Donny Osmond & Wife Debbie Prove Love Is Eternal as They Celebrate 46th Anniversary with Rare Wedding Snap

May 10, 2024

David Beckham Sues His Friend Mark Wahlberg: What Happened & Why Do Fans Strongly Support One of Them?

April 24, 2024