answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Because the rattle is a warning against predators - not a lure to entice prey. Snakes hunt by stealth, so using its rattle would likely scare prey away since they're 'programmed ' to be wary of strange noises.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

It's a warning mechanism. Venom is only produced in relatively small quantities, and is not continually made. Therefore, it's in the snakes best interest to only use venom as a last resort. The rattlesnakes evolved to have loose-fitting scales at the end of their tails - so they can create a warning noise - which is usually sufficient to make a potential predator reconsider attacking the snake.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why doesn't a rattlesnake use its rattle when it is hungry?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is the rattlesnake famous for?

Rattlesnakes are best known for, and most easily recognized by, their rattle. They use it to scare offpredators.


What protection do a rattlesnake have against its enemies?

A rattle snake has no protection from a human,but it might would use his fangs


How does a rattlesnake use its tail?

The rattlesnake uses the tail to warn animals of their presence. It is thought that the rattle evolved during the time when North America was inhabited by huge herds of large hoofed mammals which posed a threat of the snake being trampled. The rattle serves to notify any animal that they should probably alter their route of travel to prevent an incident that could prove fatal to both snake and mammal.


What is the use of of a rattle of a rattlesnake?

It's used as a warning - to let animals (and people) know they're venomous.


Do all rattlesnakes have a rattler?

Yes, this would be considered a mutation, but it is a mutation that is inherited from parent to some offspring. Frighteningly enough, these rattlesnakes without rattles are becoming far more common as many normal rattlesnakes are killed when they sound off their warning. this allows for those without rattles to survive longer and breed more, passing these mutated genes to more and more offspring.


Does a rattlesnake use any chemical to camouflage itself?

No a rattlesnake does not use chemical to camouflage itself


Can a blind rattlesnake still strike its prey?

Yes it can ! Rattle-snakes use heat sensitive pits to detect infra-red heat coming from their 'victim'. So long as they have this ability they will at least have a 'fighting chance' of survival !


How do the eastern diamondback rattle snake survive?

Like most snakes, a dimoandback rattlesnake's first choice will be to hide or flee. However, if the snake feels it is cornered or that it cannot escape, it will rattle its tail as a warning. As a last resort the rattlensake will inflict a venomous bite, which is extremely painful and potentially fatal.


What makes a rattlesnakes tail rattle?

The tail of a rattlesnake consists of a series of interlocking hollow buttons that produce the rattle sound when the snake shakes its tail. Each time the snake sheds it produces a new segment for the rattle. It is used as a warning to potential predators or to large mammals that could step on the snake. See the image above of a rattle from a rattlesnake.


What mimicry does a rattlesnake use?

a rattlesnake uses mimicry to look like other animals


What is the purpose of a rattlesnake's rattle?

It is there defense or warning to larger animals to keep from being stepped on. One theory is that the rattlesnake developed this appendage while bison roamed in the millions across North America to prevent being stomped on.They do it to warn animals, or to make animals sounds, like why dogs bark. They rattle with the loose segments at the end of the tail. depending on how it rattles, it may warn other animals to go away or leave it alone


How do you compare as hungry as?

You can use the word "hungry" in a simile like this: I am as hungry as a wolf.