Emily Taylor
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emilytaylorscience.com
Emily Taylor
@emilytaylorscience.com
Professor of Biology at Cal Poly SLO • Author • Snake rescuer • Founder of Central Coast Snake Services • Co-founder of Project RattleCam and Snake Week
News of the day:

A raccoon came through early this morning and ate the remains of Pansy, 6 days after she died.

You can watch it starting at 6:06am at this link, and it goes on for over an hour.

youtu.be/y5vKYomHL1o?...
November 10, 2025 at 3:35 PM
We can't believe it's November! Weather is rapidly cooling, and the Colorado cam will shut down for the winter in about two weeks. Watch now while you still can!

This baby is out right now, cruising around behind vegetation.

RattleCam.org
November 3, 2025 at 5:28 PM
The biology department at Cal Poly is hiring multiple tenure-track positions, including animal physiology! Come work with me in paradise.

jobs.calpoly.edu/en-us/job/55...
October 31, 2025 at 2:32 PM
October 29, 2025 at 2:32 PM
In the dead of winter, you can still gaze upon the snakes via your 2026 Project RattleCam calendar! We are in the final few days of offering free shipping (that's $7 off!) using code Thor.

Direct order link: www.centralcoastsnakeservices.com/store/p46/Pr...
October 27, 2025 at 2:41 PM
September is quite possibly my favorite month in the 2026 calendar! Order yours now! Only a few days left for free shipping with code Thor.

Go to RattleCam.org and click Shop.
October 23, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Save $7 on your 2026 calendar pre-order now with code Thor!

Go to Rattlecam.org and click Shop
October 18, 2025 at 3:15 PM
This weekend my students and I will be at the SLO Reptile Expo, slinging native snakes (okay, just lovingly showing them off) and fundraising with cool stickers and other merch. We hope to see you there! www.centralvalleyreptileexpo.com/san-luis-obi...
October 16, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Cal Poly is hiring! We are looking for multiple tenure-track colleagues, including animal physiology, cell biology, and microbiology! Please spread the word. Links in thread. bio.calpoly.edu
October 14, 2025 at 1:32 AM
There is currently (Sat 8am MT) a porcupine bedded down outside the snake den. I wonder if he'll still be there when the snakes wake up and emerge.

Watch live at RattleCam.org (Colorado cam) to find out!
September 27, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Simultaneous cinnamon rolls.

Watch live at RattleCam.org.
September 26, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Have you seen Project RattleCam's Love the Unloved merch? Get yours now and support the project! Visit rattlecam.org and click Shop.
September 24, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Yes, likely a prairie rattlesnake. Here is the lizard cover if you want to match it! (I was just wearing the snake earrings yesterday and thought of you)
September 19, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Size reference!
September 18, 2025 at 3:26 AM
New stickers! This one is my fave.

More goodies available, all proceeds as always go to snake rescue and student research!

Link in the commentz.

Thanks for the support!
-Sincerely, Buzz, the Buck-fanged Rattlesnake
September 18, 2025 at 3:13 AM
50 degrees, Thor doesn't care. Fall is arriving quickly at the Colorado den!

Watch live at RattleCam.org.
September 11, 2025 at 2:08 PM
An early morning rain shower urged the snakes out of bed early this morning, including Thor (top center)!

Watch live at RattleCam.org
September 7, 2025 at 1:33 PM
'Tis the season! For pumpkin spice... and all that comes along with it. Here is a fun excerpt from my book about the pumpkin spice snake.

Right on cue, someone just sent in a photo of a snake they couldn't identify.

Hatchling Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor), San Luis Obispo
September 5, 2025 at 2:46 PM
What a dream it is to watch wild, newborn rattlesnakes side by side, live on YouTube! Prairie Rattlesnakes at left, Western Rattlesnakes at right. This time next year, we will hopefully be watching Timber Rattlesnake pups, too. ☺️

Watch live at RattleCam.org
September 4, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Why, yes! Newborn rattlesnakes do have belly buttons. Alas, these will heal up and disappear.

This snake is being safely restrained with its head in a plastic tube, so it cannot bite in self defense.

Watch live at RattleCam.org.
August 28, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Drink up, little snakelets! Chance of rain today: 90% Chance of cuteness: 100%.

Watch live at RattleCam.org
August 27, 2025 at 2:17 PM
It's a great week to have Project RattleCam on your second monitor or TV! There is a good chance of rain in Colorado every day, and a chance to see the baby rattlesnakes engaging in "pupcake" behavior (pup pancakes!).

Watch live at RattleCam.org

www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...
August 25, 2025 at 2:06 PM
What a difference a few raindrops make! Just ry to count them all- we dare you!

Watch live at RattleCam.org- occasional rain bursts expected in Colorado for the next week!
August 23, 2025 at 12:19 AM
It's the MOST wonderful time of the year!

Watch all the rattlesnake mamas and pups, live online, at RattleCam.org
August 22, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Ever wonder about newborn rattlesnakes' "buttons?" At left we see "pre-buttons," which they have when born. The fetal skin covers the base of the button plus there is a thin layer covering the entire button. At right, after their first shed (in this population, 5-8 days after birth)...
August 19, 2025 at 4:34 PM