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Showing posts from April, 2022

Do Woodpeckers Damage Trees?

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Woodpeckers pecking trees is a common sight in many backyards and neighborhoods. They do this to find food, build nests, and attract mates. While most people think of the woodpecker activity as being a nuisance, some worry that the damage woodpeckers are doing is more than just superficial. So, do these birds damage trees? Do Woodpeckers Hurt Trees? The short answer is no. Woodpeckers do not harm trees. In fact, they help them! Woodpeckers eat insects that are harmful to trees. These include carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles. By eating these insects, woodpeckers protect trees from infestation and disease. How Much Damage Do Woodpeckers Cause? While woodpeckers can cause damage to tree trunks, it’s usually not enough to kill the tree. The damage is typically superficial and is more of an annoyance than anything else. If a woodpecker is only pecking at the tree bark to find food or build a nest, the damage is usually not severe. The woodpecker will only remove...

What is in a Rattlesnake’s Rattle?

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The rattle and its rattling sound is the rattlesnake’s most distinguishing feature. The snake uses it as a way to warn off predators and to communicate with other snakes. But have you ever wondered what the rattle is made of and how exactly it works? Well, you’re in luck, because today we’re going to explore the anatomy of a rattlesnake rattle! Identifying a Rattlesnake Rattlesnakes are a type of venomous snake that is found across North to South America. They are members of the viper family and are distinguished by their triangular heads, heat-sensing pits, and of course, their rattles. A rattlesnake can grow to be anywhere between two to eight feet long, with the average being around three feet. In general, rattlesnakes have thick bodies with keeled scales. Their coloration can vary depending on the species, but they are often some combination of brown, gray, or black. So, What’s in a Rattlesnake’s Rattle? Somebody actually tried cutting open a rattlesnake ra...