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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.

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8y ago
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13y ago

Rattle snakes have a limited amount of venom and it takes precious nutrients and energy to produce it. Thus a snake would prefer to use it only when hunting for prey rather than self defense against larger animals. The rattle is used as a warning and a threat in hopes it will not have to waste venom.

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8y ago

The rattle is composed of loosely connect segments of dry skin tissue. Each time the snake sheds it adds one more segment. When the snake shakes its tail these loose segments vibrate and cause the sound.

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11y ago

there is plates within the rattle that shake and rub together and little balls that rattle inside the rattle

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12y ago

The sections of the tail are not rigid, but loosely connected. When the snake moves its tail - these sections rub together, creating the characteristic 'rattle'

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13y ago

on the outside of the rattlesnakes tail there are some plates that when they are shaken they click and rattle

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8y ago

it's tail (the tip)
With a rattle on the end of its tail

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13y ago

The rattle consists of loosely connected scales - when the snake moves it's tail rapidly, they scales rub together producing the classic rattling sound.

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13y ago
  • a rattle snakes tail rattles to let you know that they want you to back off they do this to guard there territory or to keep other things or people away..........

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11y ago

It's a warning that its about to strike. Think of it like when a dog barks at somebody they don't like

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Q: What makes a rattlesnakes tail rattle?
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Related questions

Where is the rattlesnakes rattle?

The end of it's tail


What do rattlesnakes do when they see a person somewhere?

Rattle their tail


Is there venom in a rattlesnakes rattle?

no, venom is in the head not the tail


Are rattlesnakes native to African savanna?

True rattlesnakes (with a rattle on the tip of their tail) are not found in Africa.


Do rattlesnakes have tails?

It wouldn't be a rattle snake or snake without a tail. Would it??


How do rattlesnakes form their rattle?

The rattlesnake's menacing sound comes from its rattle tail. The rattle is composed of a series of nested, hollow beads which are actually modified scales from the tail tip. The rattling occurs when the snakes are threatened.


What are the physical characteristics of rattlesnakes?

The most familiar physical characteristic of a rattlesnake is the rattle on the snakes tail. Rattlesnakes also of scales which cover the entire body.


How did rattlesnakes get their name?

Rattle snakes got their name by the distinctive sound that their tail makes when they shake it. The "rattle" is made from hollow nested chambers that are made from modified scales; a new segment is added after every shed. Hope this helps :)


How do rattlesnakes rattle?

The sections at the end of their tail are hollow and loosely connected to each other. The Rattlesnake vibrates its tail when annoyed or disturbed - causing the loose sections to rub together - which we hear as the characteristic rattle.


Do rattlesnakes rattle when pregnant?

Rattlesnakes give live birth - they are ovoviviparous. Yes, they will rattle while gravid.


How do rattlesnakes defend themselves against predators?

They'll coil up into a defensive position and rattle their tail and will often strike out with their fangs .


How do diamondback rattlesnakes rattle their tails to make it sound?

They vibrate their tail about 50 times per second. The loose segments of the rattle then produce a buzzing sound as they rub against each other.