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The venom of the rattlesnake serves two main purposes. The first is to kill prey, mainly small rodents. The second is to begin a preliminary breakdown of the animal’s tissue for easier digestion.

Venom does not pose a threat to the snake itself. It is stored in special glands and is carefully released through non-absorbent ducts. Also, venom is produced and stored in an inert or inactive enzymatic form.

BEHAVIOURAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Snakes subdue small prey by delivering venom through specialized, elongated, hollow teeth known as fangs;
   
• The snake can move each fang separately. The fangs are similar to a hypodermic needle. When not in use the fangs lie flat on the inside of the mouth;
   
• During a strike the fangs pivot forward to gain contact with the
  desired target, usually a vole or a mouse. After a strike is made the snake instantly releases its fangs and waits for the animal to stop moving before attempting to swallow it. This bite and release ensures that a fighting animal will not injure the snake through a bite or a scratch;
   
• Though the mouse or vole may escape it will die soon afterward;
   
• Since snakes are not able to chew their food, they swallow the
  animal whole, usually head first. This is a relatively slow process depending on the size of the prey. Depending on the ambient temperature, most food is usually totally digested within a week;