Hemotoxin, a toxin found in their venom, damages tissue and destroys red blood cells. However, because antivenom is readily accessible across the rattlesnake’s habitat, unnecessary deaths from rattlesnake bites are uncommon. Recently, one of these large snakes was attempting to cross a dirt road in Florida. A video of the instance can be found below. The cameraman states that once the snake realized he wasn’t a threat, it felt safer to cross the road. You can see in the footage just how huge this snake is. Its thick body stretches out as it makes its way across the rocky surface. This snake’s back is covered with a series of large, black diamonds with brown inside and cream edges. The body’s base has a rusty tint. The tail culminates in a rattle, which is frequently kept in the air. A light-bordered, dark stripe runs diagonally between each eye and separates the broad, robust head from the neck. Before getting too far across the street, this slithery serpent turns around and heads back towards the brushy ditch. Eventually, he attempts once again to make it to the other side of the dirt road. This time, with a lot more confidence and agility. Seeing its entire body stretched out as it moves is truly a sight to behold. The person filming mentions he’s using a telephoto lens, allowing him to keep a safe distance while still capturing incredible footage. Snakes cross dirt roads for many reasons. For one, they enjoy the feeling of the warm surface on their belly as they scurry on top of the rocks and sand. They also may be moving to a more sunny area as the day goes on. Longleaf pine savannas serve as their main habitat, although they also frequent pine flatwoods, wiregrass patches, and turkey oak environments. They may be found on the majority of Florida’s barrier islands and can swim. While sandhill communities are the eastern diamondback rattlesnake’s typical habitat, it will also frequent swampy and marshy areas. You’ll find these gorgeous serpents in gopher tortoise burrows and stump holes, where it is susceptible to “gassing” by snake hunters in the wintertime. Take a look at just how large this snake is in the video below. The commentary is educational and gives us an inside look at how locals in Florida interact with these wild animals.
Do Rattlesnakes Typically Hang Out on Roads?
Rattlesnakes are generally shy, reclusive creatures that will avoid hums if possible. However, as humans encroach on their habitat they are forced into navigating the roads and buildings we place in their way. Rattlesnakes move across roads when moving to new hunting grounds, seeking out mates, or searching for a new home. In cooler weather, they will also sun themselves on roads in order to warm up. If you see a snake in the road, you should give it a wide berth and let it continue on its way.
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