134 YEARBOOK, PUBLIC MUSEUM, MILWAUKEE [Vol. III. 



warning. Certainly it would not attempt to warn away its natural 

 prey such as rabbits, birds, etc., which are suddenly struck and from 

 which the snake immediately withdraws without rattling, while wait- 

 ing for them to die. 



Arguments have also been advanced that the rattle is used as a 

 call during the breeding season. This is not illogical, as snakes are 

 not wholly deaf, although lacking external ears. Also that the occa- 

 sional use of the rattle is to decoy prey within the reach of the fangs.^" 

 These and various other beliefs have not been conclusively proven or 

 accepted. 



The belief that a rattlesnake will always rattle before striking, 

 is indeed fallacious. While hunting the big Diamond-back Rattle- 

 snake on the Texas plains as well as the Banded Rattlesnake during 

 the present work, the writer recalls many instances where absolutely 

 no warning was given even though it was noted that the snake was 

 plainly aware of close approach and of possible impending danger to 

 itself. There appears to be no regular and unfailing mode of action 

 in this respect. Several vivid recollections are still in mind of the 

 times when the writer was about to step upon a sleeping rattlesnake. 

 At such times the snake itself is so suddenly surprised that a reason- 

 able opportunity for the customary warning is not afforded. Time 

 and again rattlesnakes have been observed by the writer that were 

 most obviously aware of his approach, but which, through lack of 

 nervousness or by a consciousness of safety to themselves, did not 

 deem it expedient to sound a warning. On the contrary, many in- 

 stances have been observed where a warning was given when the snake 

 was amply protected from disturbance, either by distance or by con- 

 cealment among the rocks, and its presence not even suspected. 



It is our belief that the question of whether a snake will rattle 

 depends almost wholly upon the nervous state or disposition of the 

 particular individual in question. As a general rule it appears that 

 when a rattlesnake finds itself discovered and approached by man, it 

 will endeavor to make its escape if suitable opportunity is afforded. 

 As Ditmars says, "Yet the attitude of the snake is to be admired. It 

 denotes a creature attacked by a powerful enemy and bravel}^ defend- 

 ing its life. The snake never advances, nor makes actually hostile 

 movements. If the enemy retreats but a few steps the reptile endeav- 

 ors to glide for cover, but at close quarters the attitude spells one 

 word — Beware ! "'^^ 



32Ibid., p. 429. 

 33Ibid., p. 427. 



