Colorado’s mega rattlesnake den is back live on the internet

When people think of rattlesnakes, they may get a mental picture of a Clint Eastwood-esque persona—the lone, dangerous, stoic reptile. But a public webcam rattles—er, tells—a different tale. Rattlesnakes are surprisingly gregarious, calm creatures. You can see it for yourself on live rattlesnake TV—tune in to RattleCam.

Live rattlesnake TV based at “mega den”

Out West in Colorado (aren’t Western movies supposed to center on the West?), a “mega den” of rattlesnakes is starting to see springtime activity. An intrepid group of scientists has set up a camera on a tripod just outside the entrance to the den. Inside? Hundreds, if not thousands, of prairie rattlesnakes. We’re not sure if they draw straws for the duty, but several times a day somebody goes out and changes the camera angle.

Every show must have its stars—meet Twitchy, Stubby, and Lasagna

The object? Bring to light the normally shadowy and secret life of rattlesnakes. Some describe the “show” as a kind of reptile soap opera. And if it is, well, every soap has to have its stars. This year’s show has featured characters that the researchers have dubbed.

Lasagna, for example, is known for folding her body “like a big pan of lasagna” alongside her pal Ramen. “Noodles hang with noodles!” says her film bio.

Stubby is missing a tail but remains “brave and resilient.” No tail, no rattles, no warning? Look out for this guy!

Linda says of herself, “I’m ambiverted. Sometimes you’ll see me sitting on my own, but I’m down to join the cuddle puddle!”

Twitchy is “a ladies man” who “love[s] to put on a show” and, true to his name, gets fidgety when females are around.

And the plot thickens as the seasons roll along

So what does this year’s live rattlesnake TV plotline hold? During spring and summer, the giant den acts as a “rookery” or nursery. Right now, most of the snakes you’ll see on video are pregnant females.

Spoiler alert! Dozens of these snakes, “heavy with child,” will give birth later this summer. They aren’t bogged down for nine long months. Rattlesnakes carry their kids for three to four months. But they do carry quite a load—they typically deliver eight to 17 live babies.

Grab a bowl of popcorn and your favorite beverage. You can tune into the Colorado RattleCam here on YouTube. As Clint might say (in another genre), “Go ahead! Snake my day!”

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