A Noisy Snake
Say hello to a snake that really makes some noise! The rattlesnake gets its name from its special tail. The end of its tail has hard rings. Together these rings are called a rattle. When the snake shakes its tail, the rattle makes a loud buzzing noise.
What’s That Sound?
A rattlesnake’s rattle is made of rings of hard skin. When the rings rub together, the rattle makes noise.
Why do rattlesnakes shake their tails? The rattle sound is a warning that the snake is ready to attack. When an animal hears the rattle, it knows it had better run!
Long and Longer
The shortest rattlesnake is the ridgenosed rattlesnake. It is just 1 foot (0.3 meters) long. This snake weighs only about 4 ounces (113 grams).
Comprehension Questions
1. What does the shaking of the rattlesnake's tail sound like?
A. A quiet barking noise.
B. A loud buzzing noise.
C. A loud slithering noise.
2. How does a rattlesnake make noise with its rattle?
A. By rubbing the rings in its rattle together.
B. By flicking its tongue.
C. By rubbing its body against the ground.
A. By rubbing the rings in its rattle together.
B. By flicking its tongue.
C. By rubbing its body against the ground.
Your Thoughts
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Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.