sidewinder

The sidewinder is a venomous pit viper that is found in arid regions of the southwestern U.S. and even into northwestern Mexico. They live in desert regions of Arizona, California , Nevada, Utah, and Mexico – in Baja California and Sonora. They derive their namesake from their strange method of locomotion. Rather than moving forward, they move sideways. Hey, any snake can move forward, why not be different? They move their middle ahead first, then they move their head and tail at the same time to catch up with the middle. This leaves an “S” shaped imprint in the sand.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Crotalus cerastes Weight: Up to .67 lbs Length: Up to 30 inches Lifespan: Up to 30 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) These snakes can reach speeds of up 18 mph!

2.) Even though they spend most of their time in the sand, they are actually good swimmers too.

3.) They are nicknamed the “horned rattlesnake” due to the horn-like protrusions above each eye. These “horns” help to keep the sun and sand out of their eyes.

4.) There are 3 known subspecies of sidewinder: Mojave, Sonoran, and Colorado.

5.) Prey includes: mice , lizards, amphibians, birds, and occasionally other snakes.

But wait, there’s more on the sidewinder! 6.) Sidewinders are preyed upon by owls , hawks , kestrels , coyotes , foxes , roadrunners , snakes , and large lizards.

7.) They are nocturnal (active at night) during the summer and diurnal (active during the day) during the winter.

Did you know…? Although typically not fatal, their venom causes chills, nausea, coagulopathy (lack of blood clotting), dizziness, and shock. It can also cause pain, swelling, hemorrhagic blebs (blisters), and ecchymosis (discoloration of the skin)!

8.) Rattlesnakes are also called pit vipers because they have small heat sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils, called pit organs, that are used to sense the heat of their prey and predators.

9.) The sidewinder is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

10.) A sidewinder will brumate ( hibernation for reptiles) during the coldest months of the year.

But wait, there’s even more on the sidewinder! 11.) Mating season takes place from April – May.

12.) Sidewinders are ovoviparous (eggs hatch within the body and are born live). The eggs are then reabsorbed by the female to help restore lost calcium.

13.) Females will often use abandoned burrows of other animals to give birth.

14.) Clutches of up to 20 young are born from July – August.

Now a Short Sidewinder Video!

Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel . Videos added frequently!

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Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here ! toolTips('.classtoolTips5','

This is a state of metabolic depression and inactivity in endothermic (warm blooded) creatures. It is displayed as a reduced heartbeat (by up to 95%), low metabolic rate, slow breathing, and low body temperature. Critters that hibernate typically prepare for it by building up an abundance of body fat during late summer and autumn that helps provide them with energy throughout the winter months. There are 2 types of hibernation: facultative & obligate hibernation. Facultatives hibernate when it’s too cold and food supply has been reduced. Obligates are able to sleep despite access to food and comfortable temperatures. A facultative hibernator would be the black-tailed prairie dog . A few obligate hibernators are: ground squirrels , mouse lemurs , and butterflies .'); toolTips('.classtoolTips16','

Predation is the ecological process by which an animal (or an organism) kills and feeds on another. The animal that kills to feed is called a predator . The 1 that is killed to be eaten is called prey.

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Organisms that are nocturnal are active at night. Animals that fit into this category are typically prey animals that rely on the cover of darkness as a defense. Granted, there are no shortage of predators at night. Some organisms adopt a nocturnal lifestyle due to climate issues. Many desert dwelling animals are nocturnal as it is simply cooler outside at night. Aardvarks , badgers , bandicoots , and aye-ayes are just some examples of nocturnal creatures.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips19','

Reptiles undergo this type of dormancy during the late phases of autumn. They typically only wake up to consume water and then go back to sleep. Reptiles eat a great deal of food right before brumation since they can go for months without eating anything. This dormancy can last for about 8+ months depending on the age, health, and size of the reptile in question. This type of dormancy is typically begun by a decrease in daylight and with the onset of cold weather. Reptiles usually don’t brumate during the first year of their lives; rather they simply slow their movements and eat less.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips31','

An animal that falls into this category is active during the day. Animals that fit this description typically use sight for hunting prey. Others, like turtles , are active during the day as they need the sun\'s rays to aid in the production of vitamin D, which is needed to help process calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. Hummingbirds rely on the sun as most of the nectar they gather comes from flowers that are open during the day. Cows , dogs , elephants , butterflies , and squirrels , for example, are diurnal.');

sidewinder

The Venomous Sidewinder