Cal Poly’s Project RattleCam, an observation program launched in July 2024, has expanded its livestream network to include a new site in Pennsylvania, joining existing cameras in California and Colorado. The Pennsylvania feed captured the birth of timber rattlesnake pups for the first time, offering viewers a rare glimpse of the snakes’ early life stages.
New Pennsylvania footage
“Seeing brand‑new timber rattlesnake babies basking in the sun and exploring their world is a huge privilege and endlessly fascinating,” said Dr. Emily Taylor, a Cal Poly biological sciences professor and co‑director of the project. The livestream, which went live in May, recorded the delivery of the pups and their first movements, a moment Dr. Scott Boback, a Dickinson biology professor, called “a handful of people in the world” who have witnessed such an event.
Colorado and California cameras
The Colorado camera, situated at a location that attracts hundreds of rattlesnakes, continues to provide uninterrupted data on wild populations without disturbing them. “This livestream allows us to collect data on wild rattlesnakes without disturbing them, facilitating unbiased scientific discovery,” Dr. Taylor explained when the program was announced. The California feed, part of the original rollout, remains active during the snakes’ active season, pausing only for the winter hibernation period.
Scientific and public benefits
Project RattleCam offers researchers long‑term observation opportunities that are essential for studying behavior, such as male combat, courtship and the often‑overlooked cuddling behavior that protects newborns from predators like king snakes. Graduate student Anthony DiMeglio noted that king snakes target baby rattlesnakes but generally avoid adults.
Beyond science, the project aims to shift public perception. Postdoctoral fellow Océane Da Cunha said that showing rattlesnakes caring for their young helps people see the species as less threatening and more deserving of protection.
How to watch
All three livestreams are publicly accessible online. Viewers can watch the snakes’ daily routines, learn about their natural behaviors, and support ongoing research by donating to the solar‑powered camera systems.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
