Rattlesnake Tail – Crotalus atrox

The Western diamondback rattlesnake is Crotalus atrox, a widespread, highly poisonous American pit viper with a tail that rattles as a threat or warning. Rattles are made up of small sections of keratin, similar to your fingernails.

Rattles are remains of periodic skin sheddings: the older the snake, the more segments to the rattle. Some scientists also believe that younger, smaller species of rattlers may rattle to lure birds and other prey animals.

The sounds made are a lot like insects to birds, who'll fly over in hopes of finding a snack, but instead they find a hungry snake!