Messengers from hell

A popular misconception among California residents is that the common rattlesnake is actually learning how to strike without first rattling. Reports are increasingly common of rattlesnake bites where the victim was struck without warning from the lurking viper, and this is frightening because most bites are avoided from the snakes initial warning.

Many people believe rattlesnakes are now learning this new trick as an easier way to attack people. This is not true. Perhaps this comes from our deep rooted fear of snakes and our belief that they are immortal creatures without children, friends, or even love. This is exemplified in the instinctual tradition of screaming wildly and cutting off it's head with a shovel in ceremonial dance, to rid the earth of these horrible things.

The misunderstood truth is that snakes are now being born with the trait of silent striking, not learning it as they grow wise. A snake who does not rattle is less likely to be destroyed by a passing human because they will move along unnoticed and be more likely to survive and give birth to even more sneek with the same traits. The rattlesnakes who rattle at everything are being destroyed and the quiet ones are on the rise. Great.