Rattlesnakes twist and fight in mating dance at CA forest. See the video
Two rattlesnakes were caught on video engaging in a mating combat dance to win over a nearby female snake in Los Padres National Forest last week.
The Forest Service shared the video on Facebook on Monday with a warning to visitors to watch out for snakes during mating season.
The snakes were seen battling on the road to the Reyes Peak trailhead in Ventura County, according to the post.
In the video, the two male rattlers can be seen wrapped around each other, each one fighting to keep its head above the other’s as they writhe in place.
Their rattles can be heard shaking as the two snakes twist around in battle.
“Remember if you come across rattlesnakes please give them the space they need to do their thing before continuing on your way,” the post said.
This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
