COMMENT 316422
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2012-09-05 12:49 PM |
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OP here - enjoyed sharing this interesting event and your comments! Would welcome Herpetologist comments, however! - The original audio commentary by observing hikers while I was filming had to be replaced, LOL! The battle appeared to be about male dominance and territory and not about actual mating. The dance/combat display appeared more about intimidation and muscle strength then destroying the opponent. Other then hissing sounds and the rattle segments hitting the asphalt, we observed no strikes nor biting. The female was not visible. As a canyon dweller I enjoy observing predator birds that keep the population of Rattlers down. I often notice and have photographed a variety of raptor species in the local wild and it is of some comfort! They dine on rodents and snakes! Rattlers usually don't strike unless provoked, threatened or are protecting the den. Keep out of heavy brush and when hiking remain on the designated trail to avoid a strike.
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FRANKFROST
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2012-09-05 11:19 AM |
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the video makes it clear that the contest is more like arm wrestling with the superior snake using height and leverage to smack his rival to the ground. The female evidently is able to judge the stronger snake and the best mate. Hail Darwin.
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COMMENT 316360
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2012-09-05 10:32 AM |
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Responding to 059: Very few battles over mates or territory go to the death - much too expensive in regards to energy use. Even the victor can end up injured in a fight to the death. Instead these battles are often won on size and the ability to out-duel one another in a particular feat. To the OP, thanks for posting. Video was great.
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COMMENT 316308
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2012-09-05 09:02 AM |
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They're not fighting, they're mating. No strikes. If it was a battle the winner would've been determined very quickly and the loser would've slithered away. Quite lovely. Except for the silly music.
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TOTCH
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2012-09-05 09:01 AM |
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About 70 yrs. ago while on a pack in camp trip into where the Big Kern and Little Kern converge, we were priviledged to witness a king snake and a rattler in a battle. Since time was passing and we needed to set up camp before dark we couldn't stay for the finish. My dad assured me that the Kink snake would probably prevail. Didn't have the camera equipt. to record the battle that everyone has today, unfortunatley.
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RDH
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2012-09-05 08:32 AM |
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Absolutely fascinating video and images. You are lucky to have seen something so rare and amazing, we are lucky that you had the presence of mind and skill to record it and share it with us.
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COMMENT 316229P
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2012-09-05 12:34 AM |
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I've only seen a rattlesnake in the wild twice and I'm 56. This was incredible! I didn't know snakes did this and it was a beautiful display. You are so lucky to have seen this and had video available at the time. Wow! I'm so glad you posted this and the photos. THANK YOU!
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YIN YANG
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2012-09-04 11:27 PM |
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I too hugely appreciate your sharing this! Fantastic pics, video & info! (I've always liked snakes.)
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COMMENT 316162
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2012-09-04 07:28 PM |
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Lovely!! Thanks. Mating snakes -as opposed to rival competition- is also a wonderfully hypnotic display and most species will allow an audience. Snakes are one of my favorite groups.
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COMMENT 316097
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2012-09-04 05:04 PM |
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Great pics, thanks for sharing this most awesome display of the Dancing Duos. Movie and pics are tops.
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COMMENT 316071P
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2012-09-04 03:59 PM |
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Wow. I hope he has as much fun with the lady in the weeds. Great video.
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COMMENT 316065
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2012-09-04 03:50 PM |
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059 - Actual Herpetologists describe this behavior as two males battling for territorial dominance during mating season and the right to breed with the nearby female. To the OP - Great video and stills! Thanks for posting.
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COMMENT 316059
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2012-09-04 03:42 PM |
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Yes, 008. I agree, the music detracted mightily from the vid. I'm not a herpetologist, but if this was a "mating battle," wouldn't two males being biting each other? And where's the female they are fighting over so intensely? It seems to be either a mating pair or a dispute over territory, not a serious "battle."
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BULLSEYEB
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2012-09-04 02:20 PM |
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I LOVE it...~music and all! Thanks!
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COMMENT 316008
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2012-09-04 01:58 PM |
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great video - though the background music takes away from it.
Thanks for posting.
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COMMENT 315979
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2012-09-04 12:58 PM |
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Nature Channel stuff!
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COMMENT 315976
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2012-09-04 12:55 PM |
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Were those your stills from the earlier Edhat post you added to the end of the video?
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COMMENT 315975
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2012-09-04 12:52 PM |
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Great stuff. I hate snakes but really found this almost beautiful.
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COMMENT 315955
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2012-09-04 12:04 PM |
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Snake sex!
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