Image Gallery: The Social Lives of Rattlesnakes

News
By published

Basking in the Sun

Coiled Timber Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus

(Image credit: Matt Jeppson | Shutterstock)

Expectant Snakes

Pregnant female timber rattlesnakes cluster together at birthing rookeries in New York state.

(Image credit: Rulin Clark.)

Pregnant female timber rattlesnakes cluster together at birthing rookeries in New York state.

Snakes Embrace

Females in the rookeries often cluster together in groups of six or more, as do snakes at basking sites.

(Image credit: Rulin Clark.)

Females in the rookeries often cluster together in groups of six or more, as do snakes at basking sites.

Happy Snake Family

Pregnant female timber rattlesnakes cluster together at birthing rookeries in New York state.

(Image credit: Matthew Simon)

Researchers have discovered juvenile snakes and pregnant females preferentially clustered with kin, suggesting these seemingly "loner" snakes may actually have social lives.

Baby Rattles

Pregnant female timber rattlesnakes cluster together at birthing rookeries in New York state.

(Image credit: Matthew Simon)

The researchers also found that once born, the juveniles from the same litter stuck together.

Snake Science

Pregnant female timber rattlesnakes cluster together at birthing rookeries in New York state.

(Image credit: Matthew Simon)

The team hopes to learn more about the social lives of timber rattlesnakes and other snakes, they said. [Read full story]

Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.