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Prairie Rattlesnake — Part 2
The Prairie Rattlesnake is responsible for the oft-repeated tale of the fraternal relations between the prairie dogs and the rattler. In a way the story is true enough for the rattlesnake frequently takes refuge in the burrows of the rodents, but it instinctively seeks the deserted burrows as does the common little owl of the plains. No sensible rattlesnake will remain above ground and fight the human invader when a deep burrow, close at hand, offers secure retreat. Hence the human is incited to theory. He has noted a rattlesnake disappear into the burrow of a prairie dog. On the horizon are the outlines of the sentinel "dogs" of the town, watching the movements of the intruder, who jams the facts together in such a fashion that the snake becomes the inevitable inhabitant of the marmot colony, and the appearance of a burrowing owl a few minutes later results in the imaginary addition of another member to the "happy family."--Let actual conditions be understood: The rattlesnake is a wanderer and its presence in the prairie dog colony has been prompted by a hungry stomach. It does not hesitate to prowl into a burrow and devour several of the young. It does not remain in the burrow for the warm, animal odour of the place warns it that the parent has but shortly left, and while it does not fear an encounter it craves a quiet place where it may assimilate the meal. Crawling forth into the sun again, it wanders about in search of a deserted burrow and into this it disappears for several days. It is at the mouth of this burrow, placidly sunning and awaiting the completion of digestion that the human observer sees the snake. Nearby may be another burrow, for some time deserted by the original occupants and now occupied by a family of owls. Nothing could be more incongruous or farther from harmony, than a mixture of snake, "dogs" and owls in the same burrow.
Crotalus oregonus, (Holbrook) (Has erroneously been called Crotalus lucifer, (B. & G.). Because Holbrook's original figure portrayed a rhomb-like pattern, numerous writers have refused to accept it as representing this species, though Holbrook designated the locality, and the scalation of the head of the type specimen agrees with the description of lucifer.)
Size rather smaller than the prairie rattlesnake. The greater number of specimens are under four feet in length. The conformation is much like that of the allied species.
Head markings.--The markings of the head appeal to the prairie rattlesnake, but may be readily employed to distinguish the present species. The dark band commences behind the centre of the eye and extends to the angle of the mouth--with C. confluentus it begins beneath the centre of the eye. The pale band in front of this darker one is much broader than with the prairie rattlesnake.
Although the large eye plates on the top of the head have symmetrical, pointed marks, which terminate at the outer margin, these are not vividly defined.
Variations.--The ground-colour varies considerably. Some specimens are almost black. A specimen examined, from the Beaver Mountains, in Utah, is pale green, with sooty black saddles on the back and none upon the sides. The blotches contained none of the ground-colour as is usually the case.
Total Length . . . . . 34 inches.
Tail, exclusive of rattle . . . . . 2 1/4 inches.
Greatest Diameter . . . . . 1 1/4 inches.
Width of Head . . . . . 1 1/8 inches.
Length of Head . . . . . 1 1/2 inches.