Rare albino rattlesnake

In Pennsylvania , a wood rattlesnake with a white body and pink eyes due to albinism is hiding under a rock crevice.

Rare albino rattlesnake

The albino rattlesnake moved very little. Video : John McCombie

John McCombie spotted the albino snake while observing an adult wood rattlesnake on the afternoon of May 21st in Pennsylvania. Based on its size, it was likely born sometime between late August and mid-September last year, so it's probably not yet a year old, the naturalist said. He estimated the animal to be 30-38 cm long. Because the snake was coiled up for over an hour and moved very little, McCombie couldn't accurately measure its size.

The snake's unusual pink and white coloration is the result of a gene mutation that reduces the body's ability to produce melanin, the biological pigment found in skin, scales, eyes, and fur. Without this pigment, blood vessels are clearly visible through the skin and scales, resulting in a pale pink color in some areas, especially the eyes. Most distinctive of the snake are its round pupils and bulging eyes.

Albinism is particularly rare in nature and can make an animal more vulnerable to predators. For example, a completely white snake is much easier to spot than a dark brown or black snake. Low melanin levels also cause eye problems, reducing the animal's ability to hunt.

Woody rattlesnakes inhabit the eastern United States, from eastern Kansas to western Virginia. These animals are well-adapted to diverse habitats, including forests, swamps, and plains. They can grow to over two meters in length, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo. To survive the harsh winter, these cold-blooded reptiles hide in underground burrows during the coldest time of year and emerge in early spring.

According to McCombie, snake activity in Pennsylvania this year is high due to the early arrival of warm spring. While wood rattlesnakes rarely bite humans, they possess extremely potent venom, and victims of a bite require immediate medical attention.

An Khang (According to Newsweek )

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