makayla-in-the-mountains's Favorites

An extremely rare event to witness in the wild - a young adult Pine Barrens Timber Rattlesnake giving birth. Talk about being in the "right place at the right time"! This female's activities were closely monitored for over 18 months as part of a NJDEP-sanctioned long-term study on this particular population. She had been observed in the company of a larger male the previous Fall, and in April -May of 1993. Though actual mating was not witnessed, the pair obviously "got busy" making little snakelings! 2 days after this photo, she was again observed in the same exact location - with a total of 7 beautiful babies coiled up beside their proud "Mom".