A rare albino timber rattlesnake with a white body and pink eyes hides under a rock in Pennsylvania.
The albino rattlesnake is mostly motionless. (Video: John McCombie)
John McCombie spotted the albino rattlesnake while observing an adult timber rattlesnake on the afternoon of May 21 in Pennsylvania. Based on its size, it was born last year between late August and mid-September, so it is likely not yet a year old, the naturalist noted. He estimated the snake to be 30 to 38 cm long. However, as the snake curled up for over an hour and moved very little, McCombie could not accurately measure its size.
The unusual pink and white coloration of the snake is a result of a gene mutation that reduces the body’s ability to produce melanin, the biological pigment found in skin, scales, eyes, and fur. Without this pigment, the blood vessels are clearly visible through the skin and scales, resulting in a pale pink color in some areas, especially around the eyes. The most distinctive feature of the snake is its round pupils and bulging eyes.
Timber rattlesnakes inhabit the eastern United States.
Albinism is particularly rare in nature and can make animals more vulnerable to predators. For instance, a pure white snake is much more conspicuous than a dark brown or black snake. The low melanin levels can also cause eye problems, reducing the animal’s hunting abilities.
Timber rattlesnakes are found throughout the eastern United States, from eastern Kansas to western Virginia. They are well adapted to a variety of habitats, including mountainous forests, swamps, and plains. They can grow to over two meters long, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo. To survive the harsh winter, these cold-blooded reptiles retreat into underground dens during the coldest parts of the year and emerge in early spring.
According to McCombie, rattlesnakes have been more active in Pennsylvania this year due to an early warm spring. Although timber rattlesnakes rarely bite humans, they possess extremely potent venom, and victims of bites require emergency medical treatment.
