Patchnose snake: Difference between revisions

[[File:Patchnose snake pic 4.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Description]] The patchnosed snakes have multiple features apparent on their bodies that make them easily distinguishable from other commonly mistaken snakes. The Patchnosed snake's body is relatively narrow and is not aggressive like some of the other members of its family. The "Patchnosed" name comes from the pattern on the front of the snake's head. On the head is a patch-looking mark that distinguishes the patchnosed snake from other snakes. The body has three stripes running down its body. One yellowish stripe runs down the middle of the snake's back while the other two marks are dark colored and each runs down one of the sides of the snake. Every once in a while there is a crossbar that will interrupt the snake's stripes running down its back. Like most other snakes, the Patchnosed snakes have a light underside or even a pale orange colored belly. Near the rear end of the males are scales that are more rough and rigid instead of the smooth underbelly like that of the rest of the snake.<ref name=Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum>Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. [http://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_patchnose_snake.php Western Patchnose Snake] ''Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum''. Web. Accessed 1/28/12.</ref> In order to being long and skinny, the circumference of the snake is only about half an inch around despite its two to three foot length. The last thing about Patchnose snakes is that they are non-venemous snakes. Unlike their relatives like the cobra and the rattlesnake, you can be bit by a Patchnosed snake without being injured or poisoned.<ref name=Price>Price, Michael. [http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2009/dec/12/patchnose-snake-has-adapted-to-its-habitat/] ''GOSANANGELO''. Web. 12/12/2009.</ref> The Patchnose title comes from the unique patch-shaped nostril at the front of the snake. Unlike most other snakes, the Patchnosed snakes appear to have an enlarged nostril that looks like a large scale on the front of its nose.<ref name=Todd>Todd. [http://www.toddshikingguide.com/FloraFauna/Fauna73.htm] ''Todd's Desert Hiking Guide''. Web. Accessed 1/29/12.</ref>

[[File:example.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Description]] Patchnosed snakes are diurnal animals that are active during the day unlike other nocturnal animals which are active during the night and dormant during the daytime. In the winter when the weather is colder than the other seasons, the Patchnosed snakes will hibernate like most other animals that are ectothermic and can't provide their bodies with heat. As the weather cools in the winter, the snakes must hibernate since its reactions will slow down as the cold seeps its way into the snake's blood. During the hibernation phase, the snake's body will produce eggs or sperm so it can breed in the spring when the weather conditions are more favorable. When a Patchnosed snake is trapped or being threatened it will exhibit mimicry by coiling its body and rattling its tail in order to make predators believe that they are rattlesnakes or another venemous animal. Although this aggressive position is assumed, Patchnosed snakes are harmless to humans. Animals that are consumed for energy by the Patchnosed snakes include: Rodents, lizards, eggs, and smaller snakes on occasion.<ref name=Price>Price, Michael. [http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2009/dec/12/patchnose-snake-has-adapted-to-its-habitat/] ''GOSANANGELO''. Web. 12/12/2009.</ref> As far as habitat goes, The Patchnosed snakes live in woodland areas that are above flatlands and in mountain areas at an altitude of about 4,500 to 6,500 feet above sea level. A common destination where Patchnosed snakes live is in Arizona where it is warm, dry and above sea level as well.<ref name=Brennan>Brennan, Thomas. [http://www.reptilesofaz.org/Snakes-Subpages/h-s-grahamiae.html] ''reptilesofaz''. Web. Accessed 1/29/2012.</ref> Since the Patchnosed snake lives in desert areas, it can also be found in the southwest states in North America, the northwestern areas of Mexico, California, and multiple other regions as well. Because of the desert regions it inhabits, the Patchnosed snake actually uses its nose to dig for its food on occasion. The fast movement in Patchnosed snakes may also be used to help capture small animals and prey as well.<ref name=Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum/>