I was walking my dog on a trail in Colorado around Boulder and my dog (2 feet in front of me) started sniffing a snake. I called her away and she left and there was no problem. I didn't stick around to study the snake but my best guess by the markings is that it was a rattle snake (I did not see a rattle but I didn't stay to look). If this were the case I would be surprised that a rattle snake would not strike in a situation like this. Does anyone know more about this than me?
2007-10-07 16:29:29 · 6 answers · asked by cowogo 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Chances are excellent that what you saw wasn't a rattler. I don't care how chilly the snake might have been, a rattler will definitely give it's characteristic warning buzz if approached by a dog. Chances are that this was a gopher snake, which can mimic the color & patterns of a rattler. If the weather was cold enough to slow the snake down that much, it would not have been out in the open.
2007-10-08 12:48:47 · answer #1 · answered by Toe Cutter 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
So you're basically asking that if it were a rattlesnake would their be a chance that wouldn't strike. There is always a chance that it wouldn't strike (but I certainly wouldn't count on that). The reason being is that a rattlesnake is well aware that it needs to keep an adequate venom reserve for killing prey. Most of the rattlesnakes I have encountered in the wild have coiled into a defense position, rattled, wavered their heads, rattled some more, and then (if not cornered) slowly crawled away. Of course, I stood still, even if I was not within striking range. Some will strike almost immediately if happened upon. others will try to hold off, then strike or try to find an easy route away from the "intruder". Like I said, I would never count on this. I am just speaking from experience. Yes, there is a chance that a rattler will not strike.
2007-10-08 00:35:57 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A snake will strike if it feels threatened. It could be that the snake did not perceive your dog's sniff as a threat.
It could be that the snake was cold and could not spare the energy to strike, after all snakes are cold-blooded and must conserve heat when necessary.
We live in Indiana, and most of our snakes are non-venomous, but I've been struck at by grass snakes and black snakes when walking in the woods.....so I don't think it's because the snake was or was not a rattler. The snake must not have felt the need to strike.
2007-10-07 23:36:40 · answer #3 · answered by artistagent116 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it was a rattler, then most likely he saw the dog coming. Usually they strike when you catch them off guard, or if they feel threatened. It is not uncommon for them not to strike.
Also, there are some snakes that have similar markings to a rattler, but no rattle and different head shape. Many Rat snakes have similar coloration. If it was a rattler, your dog is a lucky one!
2007-10-07 23:34:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most snakes, rattlesnakes or otherwise, would strike at a dog that was sniffing its head, if it was within striking distance.
But not always, as it depends on the snakes mood and whether it feels threatened.
2007-10-08 09:47:05 · answer #5 · answered by Dion J 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if it was cold the snake is practically defenseless cause there cold blooded, or if the snake didn't feel threatened then they won't strike, its really no big deal...some snakes are real kool and others are wicked!, but i would consider yourself lucky
2007-10-07 23:32:49 · answer #6 · answered by gtrick69 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋