Patchnose snake: Difference between revisions

Patchnosed snakes are a member of Kingdom Animalia and are part of the order [[Squamata]], or snakes for short. The title patchnose comes from the distinct patch apparent on the front of the snake's nose which can be used for digging to catch prey and multiple other things. Besides the patch, the Patchnosed snakes aren't unique or special in anyway from other snakes besides the fact that they are  [[diurnal]] animals and operate during the day instead of during the night like most other snakes in its order. Food frequently obtained includes lizards, rodents, and even other small snakes on occasion as well.

[[File:Patchnose snake pic 7.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/> 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/>