What is the maximum documented period Crotalus atrox can survive without food intake?
Answer
Up to two years
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake exhibits an extreme capacity for fasting, a necessary adaptation for environments where food availability fluctuates severely. Physiologically, these snakes possess the ability to survive without consuming any food for prolonged periods, with documented cases indicating survival stretching up to two years. This extended endurance is achieved through severe metabolic downregulation, significantly reducing energy expenditure to conserve necessary resources.
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