Rattler!: A Natural History of Rattlesnakes - Hardcover

Mattison, Chris

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0713725346 ISBN 13: 9780713725346

Publisher: Blandford Pr, 1996

Synopsis

Rattler! The very word inspires fear and fascination. Everyone has a strong opinion about rattlesnakes, even though very few people will ever see one 'in the wild'. Indeed, most people avoid the places where rattlesnakes live, and others would like to see them exterminated altogether. Yet many of us are drawn to them at zoos and side-shows, just as we are drawn to other predators. Although rattlesnakes are much smaller than humans, they can deal out death in the blink of an eye. If they hunted them, the American countryside would be a very dangerous place. Fortunately for their survival, rattlesnakes prefer to avoid confrontation whenever possible.
Despite the myths and stories that surround rattlesnakes and the evolutionary importance of these snakes, how much do we actually know about them? This excellent book provides the answers to the most frequently asked questions. It explains how the 30 different species of rattlesnakes, which form a branch of the viper family, have evolved a unique appendage on the end of their tail. This informative history of the two main rattlesnake genera - Crotalus and Sistrus - includes a full profile of each species, distribution maps, details of habits and habitats, and superb colour photographs.

About this title

From Booklist

Chris Mattison has written a number of good books on reptiles and amphibians, to which list can be added this excellent introduction to the 30 species of rattlesnakes. Starting with a chapter of basic information on the snakes themselves, which answers such basic questions as how the rattle is formed and how the snakes inject their venoms, the text moves on to cover the general distribution and habitats of rattlesnakes, their origins and evolution, and their interactions with humans. The last chapter covers each rattlesnake species, with capsule descriptions, range maps, habitat, and information on venom. What makes this book a valuable acquisition are the terrific color photographs of the snakes, particularly those in the species descriptions. Mattison writes clearly and with obvious fondness for his subjects. Given the public's fascination with poisonous snakes in general, and rattlesnakes in particular, this book is a valuable addition to any library's collection. Nancy Bent

About this edition

• Publisher: Blandford Pr
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0713725346
• ISBN 13: 9780713725346
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 144