What is the immediate action a Western Diamondback typically takes after successfully injecting venom into its prey?
Answer
It usually releases the prey, allowing the venom to take full effect.
The predatory sequence for the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake involves extreme speed followed by deliberate patience regarding consumption. After striking and injecting its venom, which acts quickly to disable the victim, the snake typically releases its hold on the prey. This crucial step allows the venom—which works to disable the victim by destroying blood vessels—to fully incapacitate the animal before the snake attempts ingestion. This minimizes the risk of injury to the snake while maximizing the efficiency of the venom.
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