Rattler

[raptrlvr]

My wife and I were out running the dogs in one of our hawking fields yesterday. I walked right by this guy {about 2 feet} without seeing it because it was under the bush. As soon as I went by, it started rattling and my wife who was behind me heard it. Tried to get it to come out into the sun, but, it didn't want to play.

[MikeT307]

All kinds of nasty! They are beautiful from a distance though. I'm always scared of letting our dogs roam free when we walk them during this time of the year because of the rattlers.

[raptrlvr]

We have lots of them here, but, this is the first one I have seen. I like you am concerned about the dogs.

[hawkstir]

Great photo. Snakes are really interesting creatures that I have a lot of respect for. I'm very thankful we don't have venomous varieties in our area.

[Kenn Filkins]

Wow, great picture.... Scary looking snake. And you were TRYING to get it to come out and play! Falconers ARE crazy.... Thanks for the post, Jim.

[raptrlvr]

Thanks Fred.
The rattler was coiled up on the ground until I took a step towards it. Then it moved up into this "strike" position, so, I decided that was close enough.

[raptrlvr]

Thanks Kenn.
It would have been a better picture with a little of the sun on it. But, you take what you can get.

[frootdog]

We have lots of them here, but, this is the first one I have seen. I like you am concerned about the dogs.

You might look into the rattlesnake vaccine.
http://www.redrockbiologics.com/FAQ.html

[FredFogg]

My wife and I were out running the dogs in one of our hawking fields yesterday. I walked right by this guy {about 2 feet} without seeing it because it was under the bush. As soon as I went by, it started rattling and my wife who was behind me heard it. Tried to get it to come out into the sun, but, it didn't want to play.

The question is Jim, why did the rattler wait until you went by to start rattling? Makes you want to start looking behind you while you are out there, huh? LOL Just kidding, don't want to spook you from getting out there and taking great photo's of the wildlife and your birds!