Reptile Identification Contest #2: Answer Revealed! by herpetologyguy

View this thread on steempeak.com
· @herpetologyguy · (edited)
$0.27
Reptile Identification Contest #2: Answer Revealed!
<html>
<p>&nbsp;A big thanks to all those who took part in yesterday's second <a href="https://steemit.com/science/@herpetologyguy/reptile-identification-contest-2-one-lucky-winner-will-get-5-sbd">Reptile Identification Contest </a>and another congratulations to @grandpere for the successful identification!&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;<strong>So, were YOU able to identify the mystery reptile?</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>https://img1.steemit.com/0x0/http://thevlm.org/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-5-1.jpg</p>
<p>&nbsp;<strong>The answer is...</strong><em><strong>Crotalus horridus</strong></em><strong>, the Timber (or Canebrake) Rattlesnake!</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>http://thevlm.org/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-6-1.jpg</p>
<p>The timber rattlesnake is found throughout much of the eastern United States, and extends further north than most other venomous species. Like all pit vipers, they are thick-bodied venomous snakes that hunt as ambush predators, lying in wait for prey to come just within reach. They have the characteristic heat pits between the eyes and nostrils, allowing them to "see" the body heat of their prey in complete darkness. Growing up to 5 feet in length, they are one of our largest native snakes (by weight). They are typically yellow or gray in color, with dark chevron bands, and many have a rust-colored stripe running the length of the back. Melanism is actually quite common in this species, so some individuals may even appear as a solid black.&nbsp;</p>
<p>https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/e7/cb/35/e7cb35a1992bc0c60d944b4cee045536.jpg <a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/e7/cb/35/e7cb35a1992bc0c60d944b4cee045536.jpg">Photo</a> and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/512354895085072119/">Credit</a></p>
<p>http://blog.herpersguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Picture2.png <a href="http://blog.herpersguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Picture2.png">Photo</a> and <a href="http://blog.herpersguide.com/timber-rattlesnake-crotalus-horridus/">Credit</a></p>
<p>The timber rattlesnake has had a very unique historical impact as it was native to the regions where the original thirteen colonies were established. It is in fact the species depicted on the Gadsden flag and was symbolic to the early colonies during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Historical figures, such as Paul Revere and Benjamin Franklin even incorporated the rattlesnake into their work and publications, often facing off against the "European Dragon". Franklin once published an essay, describing the timber rattlesnake as a perfect symbol of the American spirit.</p>
<blockquote>&nbsp;"I recollected that her eye excelled in brightness, that of any other animal, and that she has no eye-lids—She may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance.—She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage.—As if anxious to prevent all pretensions of quarreling with her, the weapons with which nature has furnished her, she conceals in the roof of her mouth, so that, to those who are unacquainted with her, she appears to be a most defenseless animal; and even when those weapons are shown and extended for her defense, they appear weak and contemptible; but their wounds however small, are decisive and fatal:—Conscious of this, she never wounds till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of stepping on her.—Was I wrong, Sir, in thinking this a strong picture of the temper and conduct of America?" -Benjamin Franklin <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadsden_flag">Source</a></blockquote>
<p>https://owlworks.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/dont-tread-1280.jpg <a href="https://owlworks.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/dont-tread-1280.jpg">Photo</a> and <a href="https://owlworks.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/time-for-a-new-gadsden-flag-redux/">Credit</a></p>
<p>The timber rattlesnake populations have been drastically reduced as a loss of habitat loss and human fear. They are regularly killed by people who do not understand them and believe them to be a huge threat. Though they are potentially one of North America's most dangerous snakes (large size, high venom yield and potency), this is offset by their relatively mild and docile disposition and extensive brumation period. Prior to striking, they perform a long period of warning, rattling their tail and mock striking to drive away a persistent predator. Most experts agree that as long as you don't continue to taunt the animal (or try to capture or kill it) the risk of injury is actually relatively low. Today, the Timber Rattlesnake is listed as endangered, making it illegal to harass, kill, collect or possess. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crotalus_horridus">Source</a></p>
<p>https://www.aboutanimals.com/images/timber-rattlesnake-attack-fangs-820x413.jpg?fc21fd <a href="https://www.aboutanimals.com/images/timber-rattlesnake-attack-fangs-820x413.jpg?fc21fd">Photo</a> and <a href="https://www.aboutanimals.com/reptile/timber-rattlesnake/">Credit</a></p>
</html>
👍  , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
properties (23)
post_id1,483,437
authorherpetologyguy
permlinkreptile-identification-contest-2-answer-revealed
categoryscience
json_metadata"{"format": "html", "links": ["https://steemit.com/science/@herpetologyguy/reptile-identification-contest-2-one-lucky-winner-will-get-5-sbd", "https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/e7/cb/35/e7cb35a1992bc0c60d944b4cee045536.jpg", "https://www.pinterest.com/pin/512354895085072119/", "http://blog.herpersguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Picture2.png", "http://blog.herpersguide.com/timber-rattlesnake-crotalus-horridus/", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadsden_flag", "https://owlworks.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/dont-tread-1280.jpg", "https://owlworks.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/time-for-a-new-gadsden-flag-redux/", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crotalus_horridus", "https://www.aboutanimals.com/images/timber-rattlesnake-attack-fangs-820x413.jpg?fc21fd", "https://www.aboutanimals.com/reptile/timber-rattlesnake/"], "app": "steemit/0.1", "tags": ["science", "minnowsunite", "nature", "history", "animals"], "users": ["grandpere"], "image": ["https://img1.steemit.com/0x0/http://thevlm.org/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-5-1.jpg"]}"
created2016-12-04 14:09:24
last_update2016-12-04 14:16:21
depth0
children2
net_rshares4,267,806,602,561
last_payout2017-01-04 14:50:45
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.227 SBD
curator_payout_value0.045 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length5,110
author_reputation63,257,367,008,670
root_title"Reptile Identification Contest #2: Answer Revealed!"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
author_curate_reward""
vote details (65)
@customnature ·
Dang! I missed the contest.  I would have nailed it.
👍  
properties (23)
post_id1,485,010
authorcustomnature
permlinkre-herpetologyguy-reptile-identification-contest-2-answer-revealed-20161204t185227941z
categoryscience
json_metadata"{"tags": ["science"]}"
created2016-12-04 18:52:27
last_update2016-12-04 18:52:27
depth1
children0
net_rshares45,096,365,305
last_payout2017-01-04 14:50:45
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length52
author_reputation82,963,848,333,719
root_title"Reptile Identification Contest #2: Answer Revealed!"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000
author_curate_reward""
vote details (1)
@screenname ·
Re: Reptile Identification Contest #2: Answer Revealed!
<p>This post has been ranked within the top 80 most undervalued posts in the second half of Dec 04. We estimate that this post is undervalued by $5.17 as compared to a scenario in which every voter had an equal say.</p> 
<p>See the full rankings and details in <a href="https://steemit.com/curation/@screenname/the-daily-tribune-most-undervalued-posts-of-dec-04---part-ii">The Daily Tribune: Dec 04 - Part II</a>. You can also read about some of our methodology, data analysis and technical details in <a href="https://steemit.com/curation/@screenname/introducing-the-daily-tribune-most-undervalued-posts-of-nov-04---part-i">our initial post</a>.</p>
<p>If you are the author and would prefer not to receive these comments, simply reply "Stop" to this comment.</p>
properties (22)
post_id1,487,429
authorscreenname
permlinkre-reptile-identification-contest-2-answer-revealed-20161205t013101
categoryscience
json_metadata"{"replyto": "@herpetologyguy/reptile-identification-contest-2-answer-revealed"}"
created2016-12-05 01:31:03
last_update2016-12-05 01:31:03
depth1
children0
net_rshares0
last_payout2017-01-04 14:50:45
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 SBD
curator_payout_value0.000 SBD
pending_payout_value0.000 SBD
promoted0.000 SBD
body_length765
author_reputation46,297,288,412,649
root_title"Reptile Identification Contest #2: Answer Revealed!"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 SBD
percent_steem_dollars10,000