Rare albino rattlesnake

A white-bodied, albino timber rattlesnake with pink eyes lurks in a rock crevice in Pennsylvania.

John McCombie spotted the albino snake while tracking an adult timber rattlesnake on the afternoon of May 21 in Pennsylvania. Based on its size, it was born last year between late August and mid-September, so it was likely not even a year old, the naturalist said. He estimated the animal to be 12 to 15 inches long. Because the snake had been coiled for more than an hour and moved very little, McCombie was unable to accurately measure its size.

The snake's unusual pink and white color is the result of a genetic mutation that reduces the body's ability to produce melanin, a biological pigment found in skin, scales, eyes, and fur. Without this pigment, blood vessels can be seen through the skin and scales, resulting in a pale pink color in some areas, especially the eyes. The snake's most distinctive feature is its round pupils and bulging eyes.

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

Timber rattlesnakes are found throughout the eastern United States, from Kansas east to West Virginia. They are well adapted to a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and plains. They can grow to over six feet in length, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo. To survive the harsh winters, the cold-blooded reptiles hide in underground burrows during the coldest part of the year and emerge in early spring.

According to McCombie, snake activity in Pennsylvania has been high this year due to the warm, early spring. Although timber rattlesnakes rarely bite humans, they are extremely venomous and bite victims require emergency medical treatment.

An Khang (According to Newsweek )

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