For #ReptileAwarenessDay, I think you all should be aware of the CUTE AND CHARMING fact that #rattlesnakes make themselves into little bowls to collect and drink rainwater.

Here is a smile-provoking depiction by artist Mike Essa.

It sure is cute, but is it true?? Read on 1/

Here is an image from one of @ScottBoback& #39;s game cameras set out in front of a prairie rattlesnake rookery this summer. We took images every 5 min, and usually the babies were laying around in piles, like this: 2/

Until it started sprinkling, that is. Then LOOK WHAT THEY DO!

Wee little slurpy snake bowls. Innate behavior. Just a few days after birth. They are born thirsty. 3/

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😭" title="Laut schreiendes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Laut schreiendes Gesicht">https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🥤" title="Becher mit Strohhalm" aria-label="Emoji: Becher mit Strohhalm">https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🐍" title="Schlange" aria-label="Emoji: Schlange">

We have footage of adults doing this too, en masse. That will have to wait for another post. I hope you appreciated this message about drinking snakes! #ReptileAwarenessDay

Oh! Also, there was a neat recent paper showing that the microstructure of rattlesnake skin helps the water to bead up so they can slurp it off. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="☺️" title="Lächelndes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Lächelndes Gesicht"> https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200108131758.htm">https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/...

Here& #39;s the artist& #39;s website in case anyone wants to inquire about commissions. His work is so cute!! Here& #39;s another one he did for me, on rattlesnake parental care. http://mikeessa.daportfolio.com/ ">https://mikeessa.daportfolio.com/">...