Current:Home > NewsWebcam monitors hundreds of rattlesnakes at a Colorado ‘mega den’ for citizen science -Golden Horizon Investments
Webcam monitors hundreds of rattlesnakes at a Colorado ‘mega den’ for citizen science
View
Date:2025-04-17 19:05:23
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — They creep, slither and slide over and around each other by the dozen and now there’s a webcam so that anybody can watch them online at any time, even at night.
A “mega den” with as many as 2,000 rattlesnakes isn’t top binge-watching for many people. But it’s a viewing bonanza for scientists and other snake enthusiasts whose observations are helping to broaden understanding of these unusual — and undeservedly maligned — reptiles.
The remote site on private land in northern Colorado is on a hillside full of rock crevices where the snakes can keep warm and hide from predators.
“This is a big, big den for rattlesnakes. This is one of the biggest ones we know of,” Emily Taylor, a California Polytechnic State University biology professor leading the Project RattleCam research, said Tuesday.
The Cal Poly researchers set up the webcam in May, working off their knowledge from a previous webcam they set up at a rattlesnake den in California. The exact location in Colorado is kept secret to discourage snake lovers — or haters — away, Taylor said.
The high-elevation Colorado rattlesnakes take refuge in the den for winter and emerge in the spring for a short season of activity compared to rattlesnakes in the Southwest. This time of year, only pregnant female snakes are at the den while males and not-pregnant females move into the lower country nearby.
In August, the babies will be born. They’re called pups and, unlike nearly all other reptiles, they do not hatch from eggs but are born alive.
Also unlike other snakes, rattlesnake mothers care for their young, protecting them against predators and shielding them with their bodies. Sometimes rattlesnakes even care for the young of others.
“Rattlesnakes are actually really good mothers. People don’t know that,” Taylor said.
A webcam helps scientists observe snake behavior without interfering. Meanwhile, people watching online tip off scientists to events they miss, or clue them in with their own knowledge about the local environment.
“It truly is a group effort, a community science effort, that we couldn’t do on our own as scientists,” Taylor said.
Now and then, there’s drama.
Red-tailed hawks circle above, awaiting a chance to swoop in for a meal. Once a magpie — a relative of crows with black, white and blue coloring and a long tail — caught a baby rattlesnake.
When it rains, the rattlesnakes coil up and catch water to drink from the cups formed by their bodies.
Taylor expects a surge in activity after the pups are born — then even more in September as snakes return from surrounding areas in preparation for winter.
Rattlesnakes get a bum rap as creepy and threatening. But the webcam shows they’re social animals that don’t go out of their way to be aggressive, Taylor pointed out.
“I try to speak up for the underdog and to show people that rattlesnakes have this other side that’s really worthy of our admiration,” said Taylor.
___
LaFleur reported from Dallas.
veryGood! (8666)
Related
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- Alaska man is first reported person to die of Alaskapox virus; exposure may be linked to stray cat
- Dow tumbles more than 700 points after hot inflation report
- Department of Energy Partners With States and Research Institutes to Boost Offshore Wind Development
- Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
- How did live ammunition get on Alec Baldwin’s ‘Rust’ set? The armorer’s trial will focus on this
- Kansas lawmakers look to increase penalties for harming police dogs
- How did live ammunition get on Alec Baldwin’s ‘Rust’ set? The armorer’s trial will focus on this
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Valentine's Day dining deals: Restaurants, food spots have holiday specials to love
Ranking
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- From Super Bowl LVIII to the moon landing, here are TV's most-watched broadcasts
- Nebraska GOP bills target college professor tenure and diversity, equity and inclusion
- 'Always kiss goodbye.' 'Invest in a good couch.' Americans share best and worst relationship advice.
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Mental health emerges as a dividing line in abortion rights initiatives planned for state ballots
- Thousands of US Uber and Lyft drivers plan Valentine’s Day strikes
- Southern Charm’s Madison LeCroy's Date Night Musts Include a Dior Lip Oil Dupe & BravoCon Fashion
Recommendation
Average rate on 30
California may have to pay $300M for COVID-19 homeless hotel program after FEMA caps reimbursement
Police confirm identity of 101st victim of huge Maui wildfire
Report: ESPN and College Football Playoff agree on six-year extension worth $7.8 billion
The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
2024 NFL scouting combine invite list revealed for draft prospect event in Indianapolis
Drake places $1.15 million Super Bowl bet on the Chiefs to win
City of Memphis releases new documents tied to Tyre Nichols’ beating death