How to use this book -- Introduction -- Appreciating rattlesnakes. Names ; Rattlesnake characteristics ; Crotalus or Sistrurus ; Rattle ; Facial pits ; Eyesight ; Nostrils ; Tongue and Jacobson's organ ; Fangs ; The strike ; Offensive or defensive strike ; Other important rattlesnake characteristics ; Characteristics not included in this book ; Additional venomous snakes ; Harmless "mimics" -- Understanding rattlesnake natural hsitory. Rattlesnakes as efficient predators ; Caudal luring ; Feeding strategies ; Ambushing prey : a scenario ; Ingesting prey ; Foraging ; Rattlesnake bite ; Envenomation ; "Dry" bites ; Rattlesnake venom is a complex, destructive cocktail ; Ontogenetic change in venom ; Precaution and prevention ; Treatment ; Why a medical facility ; If you are bitten ; Recommended first aid ; Important things not to do if bitten ; More rattlesnake natural history : temperature and survival ; Seasonal changes ; Hibernation ; Aestivation ; Reproduction ; Timber rattlesnake reproduction ; Unique reproduction ; Habitat ; Fragmentation & destruction of habitat ; Food ; Enemies ; Interacting with humans ; Steeped in religion ; Rattlesnake roundups ; The "skin" trade ; Exotic pet trade ; Not fear, respect ; To prevent a confrontation ; Moving a rattlesnake safely : the last resort ; In closing : Thinking about keeping captive rattlesnakes? Don't! ; A final note -- Species accounts. Eastern Diamond-backed rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus ; Western Diamond-backed rattlesnake, Crotalus atrax ; Sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes ; Arizona black rattlesnake, Crotalus cerberus ; Timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus ; Rock rattlesnake, Crotalus lepidus ; Speckled rattlesnake, Crotalus mitchelli ; Black-tailed rattlesnake, Crotalus molossus ; Western rattlesnake, Crotalus oreganus ; Spotted rattlesnake, Crotalus pricei ; Red diamond rattlesnake, Crotalus ruber ; Mohave rattlesnake, Crotalus scutulatus ; Panamint rattlesnake, Crotalus stephensi ; Tiger rattlesnake, Crotalus tigris ; Prairie rattlesnake, Crotalus viridis ; Ridgenose rattlesnake, Crotalus willardi ; Massasauga, Sistrurus catenatus ; Pygmy rattlesnake, Sistrurus millarius ; Two confusing species : a comparison of C. atrox & C.s. scutulatus.
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