St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Thank God for the reptilian part of my brain that senses things before I do stopping me in my track feet away from a three and a half foot Californian Black full of fear and venom.

Typically my Photo Brain stops me to look at something interesting, but I was moving fast heading to the truck when a sudden jump in my heart rate alerted me to that deadly song.

I counted eight, maybe ten, rattles so she was old enough to know better, but young enough to take me down where I stood and fast enough to strike before I ever knew it happened.

Having come across these beauties before I knew to be calm and let her have the right away. On Whitney a man stepped aside for me joking that those with the bigger lens have the right away, using that logic I figure those with the bigger fangs do to.

She coiled for some time while I spoke to her in a clear, calm voice, and finally after realizing I was no threat she turned and headed downhill into the brush.

The trail is her home, and I respect that, but my did she give me a scare. She was healthy at least and that's always a good thing.

It's getting hotter out, so be sure to bring plenty of water, and pay attention as you are not the only one out there. Cheers and be safe! S-

Cykdelic Loc: Now outside of Chiraq & Santa Fe, NM

Yikes! Glad you're safe and sound!

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I was listening to the TED Radio Hour and moving pretty fast, but my subconscious seems to keep a look out for me and as soon as I heard that song I knew better. It was my fault really for not paying attention and I was scolded for it, but all it well when everyone makes it home safe!

See you out there! S-

Mollie Loc: melbourne

what IS a Canadian Black?

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

A California Black is a rattlesnake, better known as an Arizona Black, but lives in SoCal. S-
- http://www.reptilesofaz.org/Graphics/Snakes/CROCERB-06.jpg

Gitzo Loc: Indiana

Quote; "while I spoke to her in a clear, calm voice"................I'm guessing that you may already know this, but all snakes are completely deaf; makes no difference if you "speak softly" or if you "scream at the top of your lungs".........no snake will hear you; they will however be completely aware of your presence........well before you're aware of there's!

(BTW.......in my book, you did exactly what I would have done had I been there )........but it's unlikely that I would have walked up on a rattlesnake in the first place;

gregm Loc: Near Sacramento, CA

Where's the photo?

tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

She would have a hard time catching up to me from slipping in the brown streak I`d be leaving behind. Hate snakes,venomous or not. This is why I live up North. Only snake are little garden snake ,and yes I hate them also.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Not wanting to make any sudden movements I slowly reached for the camera, but by then she was done with me and decided to move on. S-
- this one's close http://www.reptilesofaz.org/Graphics/Snakes/CROCERB-06.jpg

gregm Loc: Near Sacramento, CA

You could have said "hey hold it for a picture"

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I'll try for a selfie with it next time! laf

Jerry Kos Loc: Milwaukee, Wi

Your kidding, right? Most rattlesnakes aren't white were you can see them ahead of time. When I hit a bad shot with my golf ball I say something to my self or the ball, but I know it doesn't help or the ball doesn't hear me. We just do it. It's human nature.

gregm Loc: Near Sacramento, CA

Yep, kidding... you found me out.

Duckfart Loc: Olympia, Washington

There were gobs of rattlesnakes where I grew up in California. They used to get under our porch and in our garage so you had to give a quick look before you proceeded. Lots of old gold mines where they like to hang out. I've stepped on a baby (one button) once that was more interested in getting away than revenge. I've stepped over a couple by accident. But generally if they feel your footsteps approaching they move out of the way to avoid conflict.

Jerry Kos Loc: Milwaukee, Wi

I was stationed in Calif. (U.S.A.F.) for 2.5 years and spent time in the "bush" in Ariz. I've seen more rattlesnakes in Calif. than anywhere else. Although while in Korea I slipped on a hill I was climbing and I was surrounded by a round 300 black snakes. I think I leaped about 300 yds. to get away from them.
:lol: :lol: