We were at Usery Park a few weeks ago for one of Ranger B's "brown bag lunch" talks. After the talk he announced that it was time to feed the snakes. The visitor center has several desert critters in cages including a western diamondback rattlesnake. They feed it dead mice that they get from a supplier (how would you like to be in that business?) Since snakes only like to eat live prey Ranger B dangled the dead mouse in front of the it using a long stick. The snake slowly approached the mouse and then struck it. It was interesting that the snake waited several minutes before starting to eat the mouse. I'm guessing that it was waiting for the prey to "die." In the wild it would be risky to try eating something before it was dead. Ranger B agreed with my theory thereby earning me junior ranger status for the day.
(this is my second attempt to post a comment here, not sure what I did wrong 1st time)
ReplyDeleteBut Enquiring minds need to know...Why is it risky to eat them while still alive, because of the potential tummy ache when the prey attempts to "get out'a Dodge"?
Pete
Right. Their prey has tiny but very sharp claws that could really do a number on the snake's insides if it wasn't dead.
ReplyDelete