What constitutes the main component of the Black-tailed Rattlesnake's diet?
Answer
Small mammals like mice, rats, and ground squirrels
As carnivorous reptiles, Black-tailed Rattlesnakes fulfill an ecological role by preying upon smaller fauna within their habitats. The bulk of their caloric intake is derived from small mammals. Specific examples frequently cited include various species of mice, rats, and ground squirrels, which form the core of their sustenance. While this forms the primary component, the snakes demonstrate some dietary flexibility depending on local availability, occasionally consuming lizards, birds, or amphibians found within their microhabitats.
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