First Rattler of the season!

[wnwitzell]

Rambling through the desert yesterday and nearly stumbled on a little sleeping rattler. He quickly woke up in a bad mood and immediately started singing as he coiled to face me. I love it when they sing! He sure was feisty! I don't know why, but it always seems like the little ones are the nastiest. Anyway, I took some great photos (which I haven't been able to upload onto my iPad yet) and left him to doze in the morning New Mexican sun.

 

[kozmic]

Unless he's a threat to you or yours, live and let live is always preferable in my book. Thanks for leaving him be.

 

[chaparrito]

Unless he's a threat to you or yours, live and let live is always preferable in my book. Thanks for leaving him be.

I agree. Even buzzworms have a place in the grand scheme. I only kill them if they are too close to the house or barns. Hardly ever happens, the chickens LOVE them some tasty rattler.

 

[Roadtrash]

I agree I always leave them when walking in the desert. No need to kill them when you're walking in their home.

 

[italiansport]

If they're out in the desert where they belong I leave them alone as well.
Jim

 

[Ed Fowler]

Thank you for not killing it!

 

[WardenRoss]

Our old family farm in south Georgia had a section called "snake nation".

Many rattlers there. We always had a good bird dog around because they would quickly point a rattler. Way before you would see it. Good insurance for the kids playing and rambling around the fields and woods.

 

[finesse_r]

Sorry, guys, but the only good rattler is a dead rattler. I kill them any time I see them and in any place.

 

[Bill Bates]

As weird as this will sound, here in Utah killing a rattle snake will get you cited. Here rattlers are a protected species.

 

[ChuckS1]

As weird as this will sound, here in Utah killing a rattle snake will get you cited. Here rattlers are a protected species.

Only if you get caught.

 

[snake803]

Sorry, guys, but the only good rattler is a dead rattler. I kill them any time I see them and in any place.

Here's where we need a DISLIKE BUTTON.......
JIM...............

 

[sooper44]

Native

Taken from the safety of my old Jeep a while back. I do not kill rattlers unless they are in my yard. Left this one alone to bide his time along the Rio Grande.

 

[snuffy51]

In my stompin' grounds, W.Tenn, E, Ark., and Miss., I don't think anything actually hibernates. Wandering around the ponds fishing or in the woods hunting, unless we are having a prolonged(rare) cold spell, you had better watch your step and look at that log before you sit down. 65 degrees + and sunshine, anything might be out.

 

[BOMBTEC]

Rattler's ain't the problem

A Rattler ain't the problem. He'll let you know he's there unless you step on him. It's the Copper Heads and Water Moccasin's that are the problem...they don't warn you they just strike. And they are aggressive they come after you. Especially the Moccasin! There have been many a boat that had a hole shot in them where a Water Moccasin had got in the boat with a fisherman. I do have a Copper Head hat band.

 

[finesse_r]

As weird as this will sound, here in Utah killing a rattle snake will get you cited. Here rattlers are a protected species.

Even if his fangs are buried in your dogs nose or your kids leg?

 

[Targets Guy]

Mocs will hunt you.

 

[finesse_r]

Thank you for not killing it!

I fully expect to see some state make it illegal to kill mosquitoes, fleas, roaches, and fire ants. Oh what about viruses and germs. We should protect them all. There is no end to the protectionist in the country.

 

[Ranger514]

Along with all natural resources, I helped protect rattlesnakes when I worked for the National Park Service. I removed them from campsites to help protect visitors. When I left the NPS and had rattlesnakes show up on my property, I didn't hesitate to kill them. We lost a very expensive and well loved horse because it was bitten on the nose by a rattler. Any viper I find on my property is a dead snake, and if I'm camping on public land where vipers are not protected, the snake will be relocated to the afterlife. Like coyotes, rattlers and other vipers have their place in nature, but I won't tolerate any threat to my safety of the safety of others. My family, which includes humans, cats, dogs and horses are more important to me than a venomous reptile.

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

No apology from me. I see one, where ever I may be, venomous snakes are shot dead without any further consideration. Human life and the life of pets or livestock are superior in my judgement compared with some dangerous reptile, that will hurt or potentially kill from base instinct. How big is their brain? How big is yours? Duh...and don't you snake lovers tell me how wrong I am. I don't care a whit what you think, I'd kill them all if possible.

Cheers;
Lefty

BTW:
I don't like snakes, could you guess? All you tree huggin' snake lovers, don't bother to criticize me, it won't change my view, don't waste your time, or mine.

 

[LittleCooner]

I have spent my life in the woods of the Appalachian Mountains. I even posted here yesterday about the 44 special shot cartridge that saved my life 14 years ago on the quick draw to dispatch the rattler. I love the outdoors, spent my entire professional life there for the past 45 years, but any rattler or diamond shaped headed snake I see will be dead, that is the reason I carry a S&W 44 and have carried a 44 for the past 40+ years. There are some species that would be better off if they were on the list of previous species and these type snakes are on my list. This is why I carry a S&W every day in the woods, and I intend to use it, every change that is presented.