My understanding of the origins of a rattlesnakes rattle is not to warn any animal or human that "I'm dangerous!", but a warning system to not get trampled on. Rattlesnake evolution took place during a time when giant mammals roamed North america-The Mega Fauna. You had countless numbers of bison(at one point in the millions), antelope, giant deer, 2 species of elephants, ground sloths(some standing 14' high), lions, tigers, saber cats, bears, wolves. all much larger, and some more numerous, than there present day counterparts. A rattlesnake wouldn't stand a chance in the middle of a large herd of bison. But if it shook its rattle it is letting the bison know "Hey! I'm here!" and hopefully the bison goes the other direction. Cause a rattlesnake bite will not kill a 2 ton bison. It may mess it up for a few days but not kill it. Same for horses. At one time there were thousands of horses on this continent til they went extinct. And it wasn't til Spanish conquorers brought them for transpartaion that they were introduced back into this country. As far as tail rattling in many other species, I think it is an ancient form of warning. But a snake isn't going to make much noise in a grassy field with moos, grunts and other calls with only its tail rustling on the ground. To be heard it would need something loud for audible animals to hear clearly. Now yes I've caught many snakes rattling their tail in leaves and it does make a very loud noise, but out in the plains where alot of rattlers are, there aren't alot of trees. I think that could be a whole other topic on rattlesnake origins and historilogical dispersion throughout North America. Now all this is just my opinion on this subject. By all means I could be totally wrong, totally right, or 50/50.
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"I am all that is Divine, I am all that is Evil.

I am the one who brings forth Death,

On the wings of a Weevil." JSKII

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