W is for Western Diamondback
Rattlesnake!
The largest
of the rattler species, the Western diamondback is also considered the most
dangerous as it does not back down when threatened and can deliver a deadly
strike in mere seconds at a distance half its body length. It’s of no consolation (to me, anyway) that these bad boys can grow to over seven feet
long!
A handful of friends and I narrowly escaped
expiration a few years back when we ran across one stretched across the pathway
of a bird sanctuary out in the sticks. With all the ground scrub we couldn’t
tell which direction the snake was headed but no one really cared as much as
getting the heck out of the sanctuary! Poor little birds… We did notify
authorities.
Yeah, a Diamondback’s
diet consists of lizards, rats, squirrels, rabbits and any bird within reach. Gads!
Diamondbacks
are identified by the spade-shaped head with black bands from eyes to jaws;
similar to the Lone-Ranger or Zorro mask, and the signature dark diamond-shaped
spots extending to black and white stripes on the tail near its rattle; the dreaded sound of which is
unmistakable. Are you on the edge of your
seat yet? But wait, there’s more! Babies
are born as many as twenty at a time; complete with fangs—and venom!
On a lighter
note (Ha!), Diamondbacks do have a
few predators, including eagles, hawks, roadrunners, kingsnakes, coyotes and
bobcats.
But on the
God-forbid chance that you are ever bitten Seek
Immediate Medical Attention! There’s no such thing as a ‘mild’ bite and you will
need antivenin ASAP! In addition to intense pain, symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, swelling, dizziness, confusion, nausea, temporary blindness and
seizures.
I once had a cat who thought it great
fun to challenge a rattler in the tall grass by bapping it down each time it
struck at her. Our dog was not so lucky
and was bitten between the eyes. By the time we got her to the Vet (thirty mile
away) her head had swelled to the size of basketball! She was okay, thankfully!
I’m more than glad to
have a kingsnake in the yard to help keep the peace! I’m also anxious for
tomorrow’s letter X; it’s sure to be more pleasant :-) Happy blogging folks!
