A video taken by an avid hiker from Lander, Wyoming, appears to show two rattlesnakes “dancing” together, as their bodies entwine in a nearly vertical position, then tumble to the ground.
It turns out that what Susannah Bletner caught on video in the Sinks Canyon area wasn’t snakes grooving or engaged in a courtship ritual.
It was two male rattlers battling to see which one could lay claim to the territory, and any female rattlesnakes in it.
They were big snakes, prime examples of their species, Bletner told Cowboy State Daily.
“Those were two pretty darn big males. They had to be 5, 6 feet long,” she said. “They looked really well-fed. They looked really healthy.”
And they were vigorously tangling with each other.
“They would twist and turn and then fall over. It was full-body wrestling,” Bletner said.
She wasn’t quite sure what she’d seen and taken video of. After she got home, she did some research and confirmed that it had been a territorial contest between two males.
According to National Geographic, male rattlesnakes will engage in wrestling matches to claim territory and females. The contests rarely result in injury. They usually go until one snake decides to give up, and slithers away in defeat.
The fights can frequently go vertical, because the male snakes are trying to stretch out and see who can be “taller” and more intimidating, according to National Geographic.
The chances of getting the ritual on video are few and far between. The British Herpetological Society reports that “dominance in snakes is rarely observed in the wild" by people.
Grateful For Everything, Including Rattlers
Bletner is a nature-lover and is deeply grateful to live in Lander, where there’s so much wild country and wildlife near at hand.
As often as she can, she goes hiking around Sinks Canyon. Mornings and evenings are the best time to go, because that’s when wild critters are most active, she said.
She’s a huge fan of wildlife, including rattlesnakes. Though many fear or loathe them, Bletner thinks rattlers are fascinating and play an important role in the ecosystem.
“They’re just doing what they’re doing. They are beautiful creatures,” she said.
You Must Respect Them
As much as she admires rattlers, Bletner knows they must be respected.
Sinks Canyon is prime diamondback habitat, “and this is peak rattlesnake season,” so hiking there is no lark, she said.
“I always have my trekking poles, because I know there might be snakes, and I might need something to fend one off,” she said. “You have to be careful and aware. You can’t have your headphones on, listening to music. You have to be aware and alert.”
Encounter At Close Range
While hiking, Bletner frequently smacks her trekking poles together, to warn snakes — or mountain lions and bears — of her approach.
Early July 31 she encountered the two rattlers off the left side of the hiking trail at a distance of about 6-10 feet. They were alerted to her presence “and had their heads up,” she said.
“I heard a little bit of rattling, so I think they were trying to warn me, but they seemed most interested in each other,” she said.
Once they realized that Bletner wasn’t a threat, the two diamondbacks got back to business.
“I thought it was like being in a snake-charmer type of movie, just watching theses two beautiful, sinuous creatures,” she said.
“I was a little scared, because I was aware of the damage they could potentially cause to me. But I was more amazed because it was just fascinating, and I knew I was seeing something rare and special,” she said.
No Winner Declared
The area is rich with small wildlife for rattlesnakes to feed on – including mice, voles and ground squirrels, Bletner said.
There are also game birds, such as chukar partridge.
Bletner noticed she wasn’t the only one watching the rattlesnake throwdown.
A female chukar partridge had taken roost several feet off the ground, a safe distance away from the rattlers. She’d stashed her brood of chicks on the other side of the hiking trail.
“She was standing there, stock still, watching them. There we were, momma chukar and I, watching these snakes,” Bletner said.
Unfortunately, she had to leave before the snakes declared a winner.
“I had to get back down to town, so I didn’t stay to watch them finish. So, we don’t know who the winner was,” she said.
As she walked away, the chukar chicks – which were big enough to fly – flushed and flew into the safety of some rocks, so they could avoid being gobbled by the snakes.
Bletner said she’ll always appreciate the small wonders she sees during her hikes.
“I like all the critters. We’re visitors and we’re in their space. So we need to be respecting them and their livelihood. I think it’s their gift to us to let us share in it,” she said.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect the snakes in the video weren't Western rattlesnakes, but another species of rattler.
Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com.
