A South American rattlesnake and young coatis: A dangerous encounter
A rattlesnake hunting coatis.
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Cloud seeding can produce an extra 5 to 15% of precipitation.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.The pangolin is the only mammal in the world covered in scales.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Both belong to the order Lepidoptera.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.We've misidentified these snakes for almost 200 years.
-
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzYoung coatis leaving the nest for the first time.
-
© American Chemical Society (A Britannica Publishing Partner)How rattlesnake scales help them to sip rainwater from their bodies.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Some animals prepare for winter by stocking up on food, while others plan to sleep through the cold months.
News •
Not all rattlesnakes are alike: Research suggests personality influences how rattlesnakes use their venom
• Oct. 21, 2026, 5:40 PM ET (Phys.org)
Transcript
A South American rattlesnake - at nearly two meters long, it’s a formidable predator and a young coati would make easy prey. Distracted by the smell of beetles and other insects in the rotting wood the inexperienced coati forages without a care. The sound of the snake’s rattle should be a strong warning sign. But for these youngsters this is a new encounter. They are curious and quite oblivious to the danger. A lucky escape.
Last Modification: