Rattlesnake researchers have installed a new livestream camera at a large snake den in Colorado.
The livestream is part of Project RattleCam, a citizen science project set up to allow experts to study rattlesnakes without disturbing them.
Offering members of the public an intimate view of snakes behaving naturally can help to "combat the biased imagery we see on television shows of rattling, defensive and stressed snakes interacting with people who are provoking them," says project leader and rattlesnake expert Emily Taylor.
The high-tech, solar-powered camera system is set up at a den in a remote, undisclosed location on private land in northern Colorado. The site's intricate geological features provide lots of shelter for the snakes, making it perfect for a 'mega-den'.
RattleCam has already caught some exciting moments, according to observations reported on the YouTube live chat, including predators visiting the den attempting to attack the rattlesnakes and the mass emergence of thirsty snakes to drink raindrops collected on their coiled bodies. Some public viewers have even seen rodents scurrying by the sleeping snakes.
One of the main highlights at the moment is the dozens of pregnant rattlesnakes, which can be seen basking in the den. Later this summer you'll be able to watch them rearing their tiny pups, which should start being born in August. They'll stay at the den with their mothers until the male snakes return in September from their summer hunting grounds ahead of hibernation, says Taylor, who is keen to correct the biased imagery we see on television of "rattling, defensive and stressed snakes interacting with people who are provoking them.”
“We hope to eventually install cameras on snake aggregations (group gathering) all over the world to help us better understand the behaviours of these complex, social animals,” Taylor adds.
The best times to watch are in the morning and early evening. Public observations can be reported in the YouTube live chat as well through submission form posts.
Project RattleCam has also set up a live-streaming camera at a smaller den in California, which shows the rattlesnakes emerging from sheltered habitats in the warmer months.
The technology was designed and installed by Cal Poly’s Bailey College of Science and Mathematics, who are using livestream snapshots to study how the snakes maintain their body temperature, avoid sunburn and conserve water.
The researchers are also using the Project RattleCam livestream to engage elementary school students.
“Third- through fifth-graders will investigate their own scientific questions while watching the snakes with supplemental art, science, and engineering activities to support their learning,” explains team member Owen Bachhuber.
“The team will measure how children’s perceptions of snakes change after participating in the RattleCam unit.”
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