This morning the Random Object Randomogrifier spit out a rattlesnake.
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Rattlesnakes are easy to fear and easier to vilify because they’ve been part of the mammalian nightmare for more than 100 million years. Our ancestors learned early to respect that serpentine shape. Lions, horses, bears, and even housecats still jump at the shadow of a snake. The fear is baked into our DNA, which is why even a garden hose in the grass can get chopped in half for just LOOKING like a snake.
We talked through the evolution of snakes losing their legs, the independent rise of venom as modified saliva, and the rattles that developed only in the Americas about 13 million years ago. Rattlesnakes can control how much venom they inject, since wasting it on something they can’t eat is dangerous for them. Their venom is expensive to make, and without it they can’t catch food.
Like the centipede from last week, rattlesnakes remind us that not every creature we fear is our enemy. These snakes help control the rodents that raid our grain and spread disease. They aren’t out to get us, they just want to be left alone. Respect, not fear, is the better answer when the rattle buzzes in the grass.
Click here to watch this episode of Sketch & Coffee!
Also, if you or a teacher friend, would like a 20-30 minute lesson plan about rattlesnakes, feel free to download and share this one:
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