Unveiling Colorado’s Rattlesnake ‘Mega Den’: A Window into the Secret Lives of Prairie Rattlesnakes

By Blaine Howerton | North Forty News

In the rugged hills of Northern Colorado, researchers and wildlife enthusiasts have been captivated by an extraordinary natural phenomenon: a massive congregation of prairie rattlesnakes known as a “mega den.”

With a live stream offering a window into their world, this unique assembly provides unprecedented insights into the behaviors and lives of these often misunderstood creatures.

Inside the ‘Mega Den’

Located on a rocky hillside, the mega den houses hundreds, potentially thousands, of prairie rattlesnakes. This specific terrain is ideal for the snakes, offering natural protection and regulating temperature for seasonal transitions. Researchers from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) have been monitoring this phenomenon and have installed a live-streaming camera system, which is powered by solar energy and streams continuously, allowing the public to observe these snakes in their natural habitat without human interference. (Cal Poly News)

Fascinating Rattlesnake Behaviors

Project RattleCam, developed by Cal Poly, has unveiled several unique behaviors among rattlesnakes. Typically, the den sees increased activity in summer and early fall, as pregnant females seek shelter to give birth. Prairie rattlesnakes, unlike many reptiles, give birth live (rather than laying eggs), and the den often becomes a nursery for these newborns.

Dr. Emily Taylor, a biological sciences professor at Cal Poly, shared the project’s broader goals: “The camera system has two objectives: advancing unbiased scientific discovery and reshaping public perceptions of rattlesnakes.” (People.com)

One of the most remarkable aspects observed through the livestream is the maternal care that rattlesnakes show toward their young. Female rattlesnakes often coil around their pups, helping to maintain a stable temperature, which is crucial for the pups’ survival. This behavior highlights the complex social interactions and communal living habits among rattlesnakes, which are often thought of as solitary creatures. (CBS News)

Challenging Misconceptions

Rattlesnakes are often seen as dangerous and solitary, but the behaviors captured on camera challenge these assumptions. The den displays a communal structure where snakes interact and cohabit peacefully, even engaging in seemingly social behaviors like basking together and hydrating by collecting raindrops on their bodies.

Taylor notes that these behaviors offer a chance to change the narrative around rattlesnakes. “Through Project RattleCam, we hope to educate the public on their vital role in local ecosystems. They help control pest populations and are an essential part of the ecological balance.”

Educating and Engaging the Public

The live stream (over the summer) drew a wide audience and quickly became a valuable educational resource. Wildlife enthusiasts, students, and families can observe this fascinating species from a safe distance, fostering appreciation and understanding. The footage collected will also provide researchers with a wealth of data to analyze rattlesnake interactions, environmental adaptations, and seasonal behaviors.

Dr. Taylor envisions Project RattleCam as part of a larger initiative: “We hope to eventually install cameras on snake aggregations worldwide, deepening our understanding of rattlesnake behavior and their ecological significance.” (Cal Poly News)

Winter Hibernation and the Future of Project RattleCam

With winter approaching, the snakes will soon enter a state of brumation, a hibernation-like state that will see decreased activity in the den.

For those interested in experiencing the mega den, the live stream remains accessible (despite information on the website stating it would pause beginning in November). The cam offers a rare opportunity to witness prairie rattlesnakes’ lives. This initiative reminds us of the often-overlooked natural wonders in our own backyard and the importance of understanding all species, big and small.

Watch the live stream and get more information at rattlecam.org.