Animal facts

Rattle snake

Rattlesnakes’ favorite foods are small rodents and lizards. They lie in wait until a victim comes along, and then strike at speeds of five-tenths of a second, according to the San Diego Zoo. Their venom paralyzes the prey, which they then swallow whole. Timber rattlesnakes wait until the prey is dead before swallowing it. The digestive process can take several days, and rattlesnakes become sluggish and hide during this time. Adult rattlers eat about every two weeks. Males may engage in combat. Mothers can store sperm for months before fertilizing the eggs, and then they carry babies for about three months. They only give birth every two years, usually to about 10 baby rattlers. Mothers don’t spend any time with their offspring, slithering off as soon as they are born. And there lifespan is about 10-25 years!

Hawk

There's about 270 types of hawks and hawks vary in size depending on the species. Smallest hawk (American Kestrel) weighs only 4 ounces. Largest hawk (Ferruginous Hawk) weighs up to 5 pounds. Females are larger than males. Large species of hawks (such as Rough-legged Hawk) reach the length of 22 inches, with wingspan of 55 inches. Hawks are characterized by sharp talons, large, curved bill and muscular legs. Sharp bill is used for biting and tearing the prey. Hawks have excellent eyesight. They can see 8 times better than humans. Eyesight is primarily used for hunting. Hawk can locate its prey from a distance of 100 feet. Unlike many animals, hawks are able to see different colors. During the hunt, hawks can dive 150 miles per hour through the air. They are able to catch a prey both in the air and on the ground. Hawks are diurnal animals (they are active during the day).Hawks are opportunistic feeders. That mean that they hunt and eat whatever is available. Mostly, they hunt frogs, insects, squirrels, rats, snakes, rabbits and smaller birds. Certain species of hawks belong to group of migratory birds. They are able to travel more than thousand miles each year from the nesting to the feeding areas when temperature drops down. Depending on the species and geographic location, hawks mate at different time in the year. Mating season for most hawks takes place at the end of winter or early in the spring. Hawks are monogamous animals (one couple mate for a lifetime). In the case that one partner dies, another will find another mating partner. Hawks lifespan is normally 10-15 year but in captivity.