Puglover Loc: Lakeside Ca.

We hike our mountain every Thursday morning. It's a steep hard climb. This rattlesnake was at the end of the trail. We didn't notice it until it started making noise. It was big! I'm not scared of snakes but we were close to him and this snake was mad.

(Download)

Robin19966

wow, he is a big fellow, how close were you, and what were you shooting with.

Puglover Loc: Lakeside Ca.

Thanks for looking Robin! We were about three feet from him. My husband and I were talking about our upcoming vacation and didn't notice him. We've ran into lots of rattlers but not one coiled and ready to strike. This picture was taken with my SX60 -after I had jumped back. Terri

JD750 Loc: SoCal

If you have to have poisonous snakes, Rattlesnakes are better than others to have around because they warn you that you are too close, and they are not usually aggressive toward humans, unless humans intrude on their space. Many other poisonous snakes you don't even know they are there until you are on top of them and suddenly bang your bitten. And some snakes will come after you even if your not that close.

That snake wasn't mad he was frightened and was warning you to give him some space. Usually they will crawl away from humans provided the humans keep their distance. But, coiled up is a defensive position and once frightened, they will stay that way for a while.

Also with Rattlesnakes big is better because older ones are less likely to panic and give you the full load of venom, IF they strike. The little ones can actually be more deadly if they strike.

Also, good to keep in mind, many times they travel in pairs so if you see one, there may be one you don't see.

Out in the wild since it's their home I just leave them alone.

Nice pic. Pretty snake ! What length lens were you shooting at?

gwr Loc: South Dartmouth, Ma.

the download of this pic is terrific. what a beautiful snake. i know some people are squeamish about snakes but they are so good for the environment. great post. gary

Big Stopper Loc: London

That's a great shot, well done.

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Wow...careful, careful, careful my friend!!...good shot!

Puglover Loc: Lakeside Ca.

Thank you for all the info JD! We have lots of rattlers around the house but not that big. I didn't know that the bigger they are the less aggressive they are. My son and friend were hiking in our mountains and my sons friend picked up a rattlesnake, got bit and spent a few weeks in the hospital. I agree with you, it was a pretty snake. We left it alone and finished our hike. We ride dune buggies in the desert and they come into camp sometimes. We always catch them and take them back to the dunes. I was using a Canon SX60 about 15ft. away. Terri

Puglover Loc: Lakeside Ca.

Thank you GWR! I agree it was a beautiful snake. I was surprised it was so big. Thank goodness we finished our hike and he went up the mountain. Terri

Puglover Loc: Lakeside Ca.

Thank you for looking and the nice comments! Terri

Puglover Loc: Lakeside Ca.

Thank you Rlaugh! We were careful. He had more of a right to be there then we did. Terri

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Not less aggressive, most are are not aggressive* unless encroached on, but the little ones are less dangerous. *Except when shedding, then they will strike at anything close.

turns out that a very high % of people who are bitten by rattlesnakes were trying to pick them up and also, alcohol was a factor.

I leave them be in the wild, one in my yard is another story.

That is a really nice pic of that snake! Beautiful color.

angela k Loc: Long Island

Wow, Terri, that's scary!!
Great shot, I'm sure you were shaking in your boots!
:)

JD750 Loc: SoCal

You hike out here in the desert, they are there. You see them sometimes. They don't usually rattle, that' means you are a little too close, and its startling! Very distinctive sound. Definitely will put the old heart in high gear.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

:thumbup: