maxxkatt
Forum Supporter
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus. The largest of the rattlesnakes, but also rather calm as they don’t have many predators. That pictured snake is probably 20+ years old and was quietly going about it’s business. I’m all for removing the invasive boas, pythons, and anacondas from the southeast wilds, but give the rattlers some space and there will be few problems. It especially frustrates me when I learn someone was in the woods for their one—time a year adventure and found a snake and killed it, like they view themselves as some kind of hero. I mean, Native Americans coexisted for thousands of years with them; they were able to figure out to avoid the pointy end. If you find one, look upon it in awe, then select a safe path and retreat, and feel blessed with the encounter of an exceedingly rare species.
Just hope you don't step on it before you see it. That snake can kill you if you take a wrong step.. not to mention your children, pets, etc.
I've had my share of close calls and am very fortunate to have not been bitten. Several friends were bitten and it didn't turn out well.
I will not go out of my way to kill one but will not share my space with one either.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus. The largest of the rattlesnakes, but also rather calm as they don’t have many predators. That pictured snake is probably 20+ years old and was quietly going about it’s business. I’m all for removing the invasive boas, pythons, and anacondas from the southeast wilds, but give the rattlers some space and there will be few problems. It especially frustrates me when I learn someone was in the woods for their one—time a year adventure and found a snake and killed it, like they view themselves as some kind of hero. I mean, Native Americans coexisted for thousands of years with them; they were able to figure out to avoid the pointy end. If you find one, look upon it in awe, then select a safe path and retreat, and feel blessed with the encounter of an exceedingly rare species.
Why did he kill it? Adamanteus is one of the most docile rattlesnakes and is on the brink of being listed as endangered. Rodents present a much greater hazard to humans with their zoonotic diseases and other damage they cause. Nature built the better mousetrap and it even includes a warning device!?! Sure, they look scary, but as Aldo Leopold put it “Harmless if left to themselves”.
Why are you assuming the guy in the photo killed the snake?
All you see is a photo of a man holding a dead snake on a stick.
You do not know the circumstances of how the snake died.
I'm afraid the adrenaline rush might cause a heart attack if I walked up on that thing. It is huge !
I see multiple lesions on the snake, a shovel in the background, and a smirk on the guy's face. That, to me anyway, appears to be a guy proud of his actions.
I did Timber Rattlesnake surveys in the 90's that eventually lead to Protected Wild Animal status in Wisconsin due to the decline in their population, mostly caused by human predation and low reproductive capacity. Another surveyor inadvertently stepped on one, and still, all the snake did was attempt to retreat. Now Copperheads and Cottonmouths are a whole other family, and as the do have many predator's, they are certainly more aggressive. As we advised homeowners with Timber encounters, spraying a snake with the garden hose is the safest way the get them out of the yard, as most bites occur when someone tries to handle the snake, whether to move or kill it.
Now the good news is if bitten, simply getting to a emergency room will save you. Of the very few envenomation's that are fatal in the USA, there is often some other circumstances involved, such as they didn't seek professional treatment, drank alcohol to "counteract" the venom, or even tried to pray it away (that's another story all unto itself...) So sure, there are risks, but mitigation is simple: wear boots that cover your ankles (second most likely bit area, hands are first), be aware of your surroundings, and if you do encounter a venomous snake, simply retreat.
Thank you for attending my TED Talk.
Mercy and compassion are advanced human traits. Unfortunately, this guy looks like he's not the sharpest tool in the shed. I swear, I can almost hear "Dueling Banjos" in the background!
Reminds me of that show "Swamp People" Whenever they're torturing an alligator, the narrator refers to it as "the beast" or "the monster". Nope, it's just one of God's creatures that just wants to be left alone. You might be a redneck if you feel the need to kill anything that scares you...