Sidewonder knotes12/31/2023 Blood clotting disorders (coagulopathy)Īccording to the Journal of Medical Toxicology, a sidewinder bite may rarely result in neurotoxicity (damage to the nervous system).The symptoms of a sidewinder rattlesnake bite may include: A bite from a sidewinder requires a trip to the hospital, but it is rarely fatal. This means that sidewinders can bite humans, if stepped on or threatened.īut compared to most other rattlesnakes, sidewinder venom is weak. They may also bite a potential predator in self-defense. Sidewinders use venom to weaken and kill their prey. This is uncommon among rattlesnake species, where usually the males outgrow the females. Interestingly, female sidewinders are bigger than males. They’re the preferred prey of many animals such as coyotes, birds of prey, and reptiles such as leopard lizards. But this is difficult, as sidewinders have short lifespans in the wild. Rarely, they can reach lengths of 2.5 feet. Sidewinders remain between 1.5 and 2 feet long, even when fully grown. The only smaller species is the Pygmy rattlesnake, Sistrurus miliarius. But sidewinders are one of the smallest rattlesnakes in the world. Many species of rattlesnake can reach 5 feet in length or more as adults. They will then strike at the animal, and wait for it to die before swallowing it whole. Instead, they partially bury themselves in sand, and lie in wait for prey to pass by. They are ambush predators, so they don’t chase their prey down. Sidewinders have long fangs and potent venom, which quickly disables their prey. Juvenile sidewinders start off by eating small lizards. But if necessary, they will eat birds and reptiles, including smaller desert-dwelling snakes. They will consume just about any animal that they come across, if it’s small enough to swallow.Ī sidewinder’s preferred prey is rodents, such as kangaroo rats. Like all rattlesnakes, sidewinders are strict carnivores. But you may come across one if you go out exploring in the desert. So, you’re highly unlikely to find a sidewinder in your house or yard. They’re solitary animals, and prefer to stay away from populated areas. Sidewinders only inhabit dry, sandy, arid areas. They are also native to parts of northern Mexico, close to the border (Sonora and Baja California). In the U.S., sidewinders can only be found in four states: They can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Sidewinder rattlesnakes are endemic to a small part of North America. They need to keep their eyes clear to watch for prey. Sidewinders often bury themselves in sand.
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