Made a quick run out past Diablo Canyon to the Rio Grande today, June 3, 2007 and on the return run came across this little (18″) fella sunning himself (herself ??) in the middle of the road. Fair amount of traffic out there today, so its’ life would be measured in minutes at best………..

Unfortunately, communications were poor, and I got hissed at pretty good, not to mention a steady loud buzz……………

I chased it off the road - with no thanks - then tried to corral it on the shoulder of the road and REally got hissed at. The buzz never stopped, and it’s unmistakeable. Makes your hair stand on end……..

While moving it with a stick, it squirmed off and landed in a cactus. Looks like even that tough skin isn’t immune to those spines, eh ??…………….

This was fun, and tho’ I was tempted to try and pick it up, I had the lesson from 2 weeks ago with the Corn Snake at Chaco Canyon, NM in mind. I had come across the big (5 ft or so) Corn Snake on the road, just as the Rattlesnake, and chased it off to the side. Knowing it was non-venomous, I decided to try my famous Crocodile Hunter routine. Got away with it with a small King Snake in CA last year………..

…………..so why not again ?? Took that Corn Snake gently by the tail, eased the monopod under its’ belly and *started* to lift. WHACK…….that thing snapped around so fast I nearly did a back flip getting out of the way. Must’ve been funny to watch, but it almost got my hand and poison or no, all snakes have good sharp teeth. Taught me some respect, it did. It was a beautiful snake - if you like snakes………..

I tried holding the Rattlesnake’s head down with the stick and it seemed to work pretty good……..but that Corn Snake was awful fast, the memory was very fresh and the Rattler had already struck at me several times. Very quick it was, too, and very dangerous, so I kept my hands to myself and let it go after a few pictures. Smart Lar. What Fun, eh ??
Larry Bourne
Santa Fe, NM
www.gogittum.com

Posted: November 1st, 2007 under 07-6-3 Rattlesnake, 08 New Mexico.
Comments: none