LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Turbulent spring time this year, much cooler than usual, lots of rain here in southern Colorado. Finally starting to see warmer and dryer weather conditions, and that is bringing out the usual critter problems.
Our home is one of 20 on a private cul-de-sac at the edge of the city limits with thousands of acres of open prairie just over the back fence. Lots of wildlife in the area, including rattlesnakes from late spring until early fall. Most of those I have dealt with have been young specimens, frequently 15" to 20" long with only a single button on the tail.
Day before yesterday our landscape contractor was doing the regular yard work and dispatched a 3-foot mature prairie rattler with 12 buttons. Obviously an old timer, and not pleasant to have around the neighborhood. Apparently the zero-turn commercial mower was effective in dealing with this critter.
For those not familiar with rattlesnakes, the buttons typically represent the number of times a snake has shed its skin, usually an annual event as the snake grows. We have to deal with several every year around the patio, the yard, even in the garage at times. Usually the young, recently out of the nest and looking around for prey, seldom over 2 feet long. The common wisdom is that when you see one there are more nearby. New construction sites will sometimes unearth the underground burrows serving as nests with dozens of rattlers in residence.
Our home is one of 20 on a private cul-de-sac at the edge of the city limits with thousands of acres of open prairie just over the back fence. Lots of wildlife in the area, including rattlesnakes from late spring until early fall. Most of those I have dealt with have been young specimens, frequently 15" to 20" long with only a single button on the tail.
Day before yesterday our landscape contractor was doing the regular yard work and dispatched a 3-foot mature prairie rattler with 12 buttons. Obviously an old timer, and not pleasant to have around the neighborhood. Apparently the zero-turn commercial mower was effective in dealing with this critter.
For those not familiar with rattlesnakes, the buttons typically represent the number of times a snake has shed its skin, usually an annual event as the snake grows. We have to deal with several every year around the patio, the yard, even in the garage at times. Usually the young, recently out of the nest and looking around for prey, seldom over 2 feet long. The common wisdom is that when you see one there are more nearby. New construction sites will sometimes unearth the underground burrows serving as nests with dozens of rattlers in residence.
