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Job:11945 Title: WKY1 50 Wacky Animals 9781633222953WKY1 50 Wacky Animals_Interior.indd 51 22/12/16 12:05 pm
Textbrave tails
Most animals steer clear of rattlesnakes. But not
the California ground squirrel. These brave squirrels
even tease and taunt rattlesnakes by wagging their
tails back and forth. Sometimes they will even lunge
at an uncoiled snake. Other times they kick sand in
the snake’s eyes.
More About California Ground Squirrels
The squirrel’s zigzag run helps it avoid a snake’s attack.
If bitten, adult squirrels have developed some resistance
to snake venom. However, rattlesnakes like to surprise
their prey. So once the California ground squirrel shakes
its tail to tell the snake it’s aware of its presence, the
snake becomes less interested in attacking.
Job:11945 Title: WKY1 50 Wacky Animals 9781633222953
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