Description: Publisher''s Foreword Abridger''s Note Introduction Purpose Sources of Information 1. Status Classification and Nomenclature A List of Rattlesnake Species and Subspecies Venomous Snakes in the United States Other than Rattlesnakes Confusion Regarding Rattlesnakes Distinguishing Venomous from Harmless Snakes The Use of Common Names 2. Morphology Length Body Proportions Bulk Head and Tail Dimensions Squamation Color and Pattern Freaks and Aberrants Two-Headed Snakes Defective Young Albinism Melanism Hybrids 3. The Rattle Function and Utilization The Function of the Rattle Conditions of Use Rattle Nomenclature The Character of the Sound Method of Vibration and the Production of Sound Speed of Vibration Formation and Length Chronology of Rattle Formation Rattle-String Length 4. Bodily Functions Life Persistence and Frailty Longevity Skin Shedding The Shedding Operation Effect of Shedding on Sight Water Requirements during Shedding The Season of Shedding Shedding Frequency Locomotion Horizontal Undulatory Progression Rectilinear Progression Sidewinding Concertina Progression Rattlesnake Speed Misunderstood Features of Crawling Snake-Tracks Senses Sight and the Eye Hearing The Tongue and Sense of Smell The Facial Pits Touch Distant Detection Aggregation and Sex Recognition Intelligence 5.Behavior Physiological Temperature Limitations Maximum Temperature Limits Minimum Temperature Limits Optimum Temperature Range Temporal Variations in Habits Seasonal Variations in Activity Effects of Reproductive Cycle on Seasonal Activity Denning Dates and the Risk of Immobility Rattlesnakes as Weather Indicators Summer Migrations and Estivation Effects of Humidity Diurnal Variations in Activity The Basking Range Other Temperature-Control Expedients Defensive and Warning Behavior Disposition and Temperament Protective Coloration and Concealment Flight Defensive Attacks Warning Mechanisms Mythical Defensive Actions Distinguishing the Resting from the Striking Coil The Strike Climbing Proclivities Swimming Ability How the Rattles are Held Actions in the Water Tales of Swimming Rattlesnakes Danger from Swimming Rattlesnakes 6. Populations and Ecology The Importance of Ecological Factors Ranges Range Limits Altitudinal Range Island Habitats Population Factors Population Densities Effect of Dens on Population Estimates Rarity of Particular Species Population Trends Proportion of Rattlesnakes in Snake Populations Composite Populations Hibernating Dens and Their Uses Physical Character of Dens Den Populations Persistence of Dens Spacing of Dens Life at the Dens Animals that Hibernate with Rattlesnakes Aggregation and Dispersal Advantages of Aggregation Summer Ranges and Territoriality Accidental Dispersal. Migration 7. Food Kinds of Food Mammals Birds and Eggs Reptiles Amphibians and Fishes Arthropods Vegetable and Mineral Foods Methods of Securing Prey Variability in the Effect of a Bite Differences in Dealing with Prey Constriction Method of Swallowing Disgorging Prey Fatal Meals Reactions of Prey Food Requirements Frequency of Feeding Multiple Meals Water Requirements Feeding Rattlesnakes in Captivity Effects of Conditions of Captivity Dead Food Methods of Feeding Frequency of Feeding Seasonal Effects Individual and Species Differences Reactions of Prey Long Fasts 8. Reproduction Sexual Characteristics Methods of Determining Sex- Tail-Length Differences Male Organs Sexual Activities Birth Traveling in Pairs The Male Combat "Dance" Courtship and Mating Pattern Young Rattlesnakes Congenital Defects Young per Brood Maternal Protection and Association Activities 9. Poison Apparatus The Biting Mechanism Venom Manual Venom Extraction Toxicity Venom Utilization 10.The Bite and Its Effects The Nature of the Bite Bite or Stahl Bite Patterns Actions after a Strike The Snake-Bite Hazard Snake Bite Statistics Fatalities from Rattlesnake Bite in the United States Proportion of Rattlesnake Cases Ending Fatally Variable Factors in Snake-Bite Cases Illegitimate Bites Temporal Variables in Snake-Bite Cases Seasonal and Climatic Effects on the Gravity of Snake Bite Symptoms and Aftereffects Discussion of Symptoms by Categories Symptomatic Case Reports by Species Case Duration Causes of Fatalities The Symptoms of Crotalus durissus Bite Infection in Rattlesnake Bite Permanent Aftereffects Effect of Venom on the Eyes and Other Organs The Recurrence of Snake-Bite Symptoms Susceptibility, Resistance, and Immunity to Rattlesnake Venom Immunity to Snake Bite in Man Susceptibility of Domestic Animals Immunity in Mammals That Prey on Snakes Susceptibhility of Reptiles Effect of Rattlesnake Venom on Plants 11.Treatment and Prevention of the Bite The Treatments Proposed: Their History and Present Status Scarification, Incision, and Suction Excision or Amputation Cauterization The Tourniquet, Ligature, or Constriction Band freezing and Cold Packs Cures Derived from the Snake The Split-Chicken Treatment Milk Miscellaneous Animal Products Botanical Cures and Vegetable Products Oil and Fats Kerosene Inorganic Chemicals Mud or Earth Applications Snake Stones Narcotics and Stimulants Emetics and Purgatives Some New Drugs Veterinary Treatments Antivenin Preparation of Antivenin Specificity of Antivenins Use of Antivenin Recommended Treatment for Rattlesnake Bite The Prevention of Rattlesnake Bite How People Get Bitten; Example Incidents Lessons to Be Learned The Rattlesnake in the Blankets How Illegitimate Bites Happen Multiple Bites Human Attitudes toward Rattlesnakes Snake-Handling Cults Murder, Suicide, and War Protective Devices The Human fear of Snakes The Effect of the Rattlesnake Threat on People''s Actions Rattlesnakes and Domestic Animals Animal Fears of Snakes Stock Losses from Rattlesnake Bite Symptoms of Rattlesnake Bite in Animals Rattlesnakes and Dogs, Coyotes, and Small Animals 12. Control and Utilization Methods of Control Campaigns for Killing at Dens Traps Fences Gases and Poisons Encouragement of Competitive Predators and Enemies Elimination of Food Supply and Cover 237 Bounties Fires Traffic Casualties Methods of Catching Rattlesnakes Tools and Equipment Collections of Preserved Snakes Shipping Rattlesnakes Commercial Utilization of Rattlesnakes and Their By-Products The Live-Snake Market Snake Shows 2 Venom Rattlesnake Oil and Fat Rattlesnake Flesh as Food Skin Products Miscellaneous Products Photographing Rattlesnakes

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