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Rattlesnakes are warm and cuddly creatures that enjoy being around other snakes, researchers say
- Snake seems to take comfort in being close to his own kind – just like humans
- They apparently feel better when they get into a group hug with other snakes
Rattlesnakes are misunderstood and, according to research, are actually warm and cuddly creatures.
A study from California’s Loma Linda University says the venomous snake seems to take solace in being close to its own kind — just like humans.
The snakes apparently gain a sense of well-being as they squeeze into a group hug with conspecifics, their heart rate dropping and stopping rattling.
The findings challenge the idea that reptiles are solitary hunters that exhibit little complex social behavior.
Study author William Hayes said, “People like to just chop their heads off…but the animals are sentient, capable of emotions.”
A study from California’s Loma Linda University says the venomous snake seems to take solace in being close to its own kind — just like humans (rattlesnake stock image)
The study confirms Prof. Hayes’ suspicions because of his off-hours work, when he is often called upon to quarrel with rattlesnakes caught by homeowners in the mountains of Southern California.
He said he usually puts a captured snake in a bucket and carries it safely out into the wilderness, the creature rattling furiously the entire way.
But he said he noticed that when two or more hoses were in a bucket, the rattling tended to lessen.
Co-author Cheslea Martin said: ‘It tells us that when they are with another snake, it reduces their stress response.
“It has never been reported in reptiles before. It’s something people do.’