Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Lycoming Co., PA
I was photographing my first timber rattlesnake when this second one showed up. Unlike the first snake, which had clearly made itself known, the newcomer was missing its rattle (it still shook its tail valiantly when I first approached). As it moved across the forest floor, the snake constantly probed the substrate with its snout, intently trailing a scent (other snake? chipmunk?). So preoccupied, the animal soon became unconcerned by my presence, and I followed it for several minutes, watching it search. Amazing experience!
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Lycoming Co., PA
I was photographing my first timber rattlesnake when this second one showed up. Unlike the first snake, which had clearly made itself known, the newcomer was missing its rattle (it still shook its tail valiantly when I first approached). As it moved across the forest floor, the snake constantly probed the substrate with its snout, intently trailing a scent (other snake? chipmunk?). So preoccupied, the animal soon became unconcerned by my presence, and I followed it for several minutes, watching it search. Amazing experience!