# @natgeo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CO6sk5hMH-W
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/11684629-natgeo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/ab53a83647.jpg
- **Posted:** 2021-05-16T02:30:31.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** National Geographic (@NatGeo) — https://gondola.cc/NatGeo

## Caption

Photo by Karine Aigner kaigner / If I ever had a pet rattlesnake, I’d want it to be this individual. We met on a morning run in epic fashion—the snake magnificently spread perpendicular across a dirt ranch road. I approached slowly, admiring its intricacies and assessing its demeanor. It lay unperturbed as it watched me come near—and allowed me five minutes of cell phone snaps—without a single rattle warning.

I went on my way, returning to the same area an hour later. The snake was still there, now actively canvassing the bushes—back and forth, round and round. For 45 minutes I followed and photographed. It seemed to be searching. I sat on the ground and watched as it gracefully maneuvered through prickly pear, bush-tongue tasting the air. As it finally crossed behind my truck, back over the road, I finally saw it, and realized what I was watching. Like an arrow to a bull's-eye, the snake headed straight toward a cottontail rabbit that lay paralyzed in the scrub.

Already familiar with the scent it had relocated, the snake knew it was time. I watched in privilege and awe as the perfectly designed creature commenced at the head, dislocated its jaws, and in 21 minutes swallowed the cottontail whole. As the rabbit's feet finally disappeared, the fabulous creature crossed back over the road, its bulging belly sliding into the bushes with no more than a whisper.

We shared a meal—without a single rattle. Until next time, friend … For more stories about the intersections of humans and nature, follow kaigner! #rattlesnake #snakelove #texas #snakes

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 223,663
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 1,055

## Tags

snakelove, rattlesnake, texas, snakes

---
Copyright (c) Gondola