Myth has it that one can age a Rattlesnake based on the number of ‘rattles’ on its tail. The fact is that a new rattle forms each time the snake sheds its skin, which may be more than once per year. Since they are born with the first little ball at the tip of their tales, we can tell that this one has shed its skin 7 times.
Photo Tags: © Sheila Johnson | Nature's Folio • Animal Photos • Cold Blooded • Cold-Blooded Animal Gallery • Florida Nature • Snake