Probing, Assessment and Management during Interactions between Ground Squirrels (Rodentia: Sciuridae) and Rattlesnakes (Squamata: Viperidae). 2: Cues Afforded by Rattlesnake Rattling

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.1996.tb01206.x
• Publication Date: 2010-05-09T16:00:50Z
• Authors: Matthew P. Rowe; Donald H. Owings
• Keywords: Ground squirrel; Crotalus; Ophidia; Neuroethology

Abstract The predator‐prey relationship between California ground squirrels ( Spermophilus beecheyi ) and northern Pacific rattlesnakes Crotalus riridis oreganus is a useful system in which to explore risk assessment management. Rattlesnakes are major predators of ground‐squirrel pups, but pose only sublethal threat adult squirrels. Adults approach, harass, even attack when confronted with them. A rattlesnake's response such harassment can include rattling striking. Not all the same an squirrel. Larger, warmer strike ways that may be more effective at overwhelming defensive leaps squirrels, larger snakes inject venom if they successful landing bite. It would therefore benefit assess respond appropriately different body size temperature. We looked for cues upon assessments might based. recorded digitally analyzed sounds sizes, each tested four temperatures — 10, 18, 27, 35°C. Results indicate rattle faster click rates, higher amplitudes, shorter latencies. Similarly, produce amplitude lower dominant frequencies. Thus, provides reliable about rattlesnake dangerousness. Nevertheless, this highly ‘informative’ characteristic has its origins physical physiological constraints, not specialization communication. Ground appear probe information extractable from rattling, example by pushing loose substrate snake thus inducing it rattle. Future reports will discuss degree actually exploit these cues.