For most people, putting on a pair of running shoes is part of their typical morning routine. But for one man, that ordinary routine became a scary surprise when he discovered a rattlesnake curled up inside his footwear.
The incident, filmed on TikTok video, shows the man reaching down before noting movement in the shoe’s toe. A closer look revealed that a deadly snake had sought sanctuary within, most possibly unseen for hours.
While the concept of a rattlesnake hiding in your shoes may seem unlikely, such experiences are not as often as you may believe. Snakes looking for shade or warmth sometimes end themselves in unexpected areas, such as homes, garages, and even shoes.
In the sections below, we’ll look at what rattlesnakes look like, where they reside, why they might get into shoes, and what to do if you discover one too near for comfort.
What Do Rattlesnakes Look Like?
Rattlesnakes might be difficult to identify if you’ve never seen one up close. Their bodies are strong and muscular, and their camouflage patterns of brown, grey, or tan help them blend into dried leaves, dirt, or rocky ground.
The most telling aspect is, of course, the rattling. When the snake feels threatened, this layered structure at the end of their tail vibrates rapidly, emitting a characteristic buzzing sound that serves as a warning signal.
Along with the distinct rattle, these serpents have a few additional essential identifiers, including:
- Triangular heads
- slit-like pupils
- Rough, keeled scales.
Most species grow to be between two and six feet long, and their protective posture—coiled with their heads raised—is unforgettable.
What Do Rattlesnakes eat?
Rattlesnakes are ambush predators that eat small mammals like mice, rats, rabbits, and squirrels. They will also devour birds, frogs, and lizards if the occasion arises.
Their capacity to detect heat distinguishes them as skilled hunters. Specialised pits between their eyes and nostrils enable them to detect warm-blooded prey even in complete darkness.
When the timing is right, they strike quickly, injecting venom that immobilises and begins to break down the prey’s flesh. Once the animal has stopped moving, the snake swallows it whole.
Because of this hunting strategy, mouse activity around homes and garages can unwittingly attract snakes, bringing them much closer than you might imagine.
How Dangerous Are Rattlesnake Bites?
A rattlesnake bite can be severe, especially if medical treatment is delayed. In extreme circumstances, the venom causes pain, swelling, and tissue damage, as well as more serious problems such as internal haemorrhage or organ damage.
Nonetheless, rattlesnake bites are rarely lethal if treated promptly.
Most people recover completely with contemporary antivenom, although the procedure can be unpleasant and time-consuming.
Bites are especially hazardous because they can occur accidentally. If a person puts their foot into a shoe or boot that contains a rattlesnake, the snake may attack out of instinct rather than anger.