Ologies with Alie Ward Crotalology (RATTLESNAKES) with Emily Taylor
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Jun 25, 2025 
Emily Taylor, a herpetology professor and rattlesnake expert at Cal Poly, dives into the fascinating world of rattlesnakes. She debunks myths, sharing why these creatures deserve our admiration and the crucial role they play in ecosystems. Listeners learn about their hunting strategies, interactions with squirrels, and even safe practices for coexisting with them. Emily also promotes the inaugural Snake Week and discusses her innovative Project Rattlecam, fostering a new appreciation for these often-misunderstood reptiles.
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Rattlesnake Social and Parental Care
- Rattlesnakes show complex social behavior including maternal care, babysitting by aunts, and male co-parenting.
- They return to the same dens yearly, displaying family-like social structures.
Best Practices for Relocation
- Relocate rattlesnakes only short distances into suitable habitat to ensure their survival.
- Avoid moving them to unsafe locations as it may lead to death from exposure or stress.
Dead Rattlesnakes Can Still Bite
- Severed rattlesnake heads can still bite and inject venom hours after death.
- Proper handling with caution is essential even with dead rattlesnake specimens.
