The Secretive Timber Rattlesnake - Hardcover

Grade 2-4-- A photo-essay that will capture the interest of young reptile lovers. The life cycle of this retiring animal is followed seasonally from its fall birth, through winter hibernation, to resumption of activity in spring. Included are how prey is detected through heat sensitive pits near the nostrils and how a special organ in the top of the mouth helps guide young snakes to the winter den. The term cold-blooded is not used, but reference is made as to how body temperature changes with that of the surrounding environment. Although the timber rattler is less aggressive than other rattlesnakes and does not attack unless threatened, warnings are included to remind readers that it is a highly poisonous snake and is to be avoided and left to its role in balancing nature. Close-up photographs support the text, and a sequence of extremely clear pictures of a timber rattler attacking and swallowing a mouse will surely get readers' attention. Photographs inside a cave will have them searching for hibernating snakes as the cautious photographer takes a peek inside. Welcome this book for its fine color photographs that complement the more general Rattlesnakes (Holiday, 1984) by Russell Freedman. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.