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Photo of a Massive Rattlesnake Den in Texas Hill Country – Real or Fake?

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Snakes alive! That’s exactly what a Texas Power & Lighting crew found near New Braunfels, according to a Facebook posting from Predator Tackle. But, did a Texas power crew really discover this rattlesnake den of 87 snakes? Likely not, but it does bring up very real discussions on rattlesnakes and their habits.

Real Picture, Fake Story

Rattlesnake den in a culvert may not have come from Texas

Photo: Facebook/Predator Tackle

According to Snopes, the photo of a rattlesnake den of 87 reptiles has been attributed to different power crews from Florida to Texas. While the attribution of the photo is inaccurate, it does properly depict rattlesnakes. According to the California Bureau of Land Management, one of the other groups suspected of taking the picture, the snakes shown are western diamondback rattlesnakes. Apparently, this picture and story have made the rounds of the internet since at least 2002. The Houston Chronicle linked the photo to a webpage from 1998 for the California Department of Transportation. Obviously, the story attached to the photo is far from recent.

Can 87 Rattlesnakes Be Found Together?

Another image of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Photo: www.publicdomainpictures.net

A western diamondback rattlesnake den may house dozens to hundreds of snakes during the winter. As reptiles, rattlesnakes are cold-blooded and typically hibernate over the winter with other snakes to conserve heat. Occasionally, warm winter days may see snakes leaving the den, but typically, the snakes remain in the den until the spring mating season.

Where Rattlesnakes Live

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The western diamondback rattlesnake den in the photograph could be an image from the Texas Hill Country because these types of snakes do reside in this portion of the state. Dry, grassy areas where an abundance of rodents live are the ideal places for these snakes. This means you should keep an eye out for rattlesnakes when hiking around the Texas Hill Country.

What to Do if You See a Rattlesnake

Hiking trail in Castroville, Texas. Watch out for rattlesnakes.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Rattlesnakes are one of the few venomous snakes found in Texas, and they can be dangerous for both people and pets. Knowing what to do to avoid a bite proves the best option because you must get immediate medical treatment in the event of a rattlesnake bite, and this option may prove very expensive. To avoid snakebites, never disturb a rattlesnake den you may find in the winter. Let sleeping snakes lie. Also, wear heavy boots with thick socks while hiking, and keep your dog on a leash. Watch out along paths, especially on cooler days, a snake may sun itself on a walking trail to warm up. But you’re more likely to see a snake on a rock or hiding in shrubbery. Never put your hand somewhere without looking first. Always keep a cell phone and a walking buddy on hand if you go for a hike where rattlesnakes live.