Rattlesnake Operation

(CAUTION: this blog topic contains graphic photos ~ not for the fainthearted)

Rattlesnakes in Great Basin National Park have been successfully implanted with radio transmitters. Bryan and the Great Basin crew, along with Beverly (Bryan's advisor at BYU; as well as a veterinarian) completed a couple more surgeries last week. I had the opportunity to observe and document.........

(Note: Bryan gets credit for some of these photos taken from a previous week)

Safety First: they maneuver the snake into the tube.....................

Then, they anesthetize the rattlesnake inside the tube using solution on a cottonball.........

As they wait for the snake to fall asleep, they check & document vitals and prep for surgery.........

Cleaning/disinfecting tissue after snake falls asleep..............................

Mark assists as Beverly goes in for the first cut...................

Opening is ready for insertion of the transmitter.....................

Bryan pulls the other end of the transmitter through an incision...............

After the transmitter is successfully placed, Beverly finishes the surgery by sewing the tissues.....

Bryan helping the rattlesnake with its oxygen intake...........(this is one of my favorite photos)
How many other people get to do this?

lol :D

After adequate rest and recovery, the rattlesnake is released. Is he aware that he makes a great study subject?

Pretty awesome research!