What do rattlesnakes really do when we aren't watching them? We spy on them with secret cameras to find out
Taylor, Emily N.
Biological Sciences
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, California USA
Rattlesnakes are notoriously secretive animals. Their bad reputations among the public are, in part, the result of media outlets showing distressed, defensive animals. Even when scientists visit their dens to study them, they may not behave naturally due to fear of the upright, bipedal predators. We established a research program using time lapse cameras and later the first ever live-streaming cameras on rattlesnake dens to study their reproduction, social behaviors, thermoregulation, and rain harvesting. Observing rattlesnakes behaving naturally in the absence of observers who might change their behavior reveals fascinating scientific insights. In addition, engaging with viewers in the YouTube livestream chat can improve the public image of rattlesnakes.