Summer Heat- Northern Pacific Rattlesnake

[smac]

Summer time around here, especially in the upper park area, means you have to watch out for rattlesnakes that may be out sunning on the roads and paths. I caught this one as it was crossing the upper park road. My dog and I came across a large 4 footer while walking on the bike path near our house. Keeps you on your toes, for sure.

I don't want to give the impression that we are overrun with rattlesnakes. In the 50 years that I have lived here I have only come across about 7 or 8 myself.

Cheers, Steve

[JeannieBug]

The good news is that most people survive rattlesnake bites. The bad news is that it is not a fun experience.

Good shot!

[mtngal]

Love the picture, rattlers are a sign of summer.

The good news is that for the most part rattlers aren't naturally aggressive and are more than willing to leave you alone if you let them. My dog had a fascination with them and seemed to find them where I wouldn't have noticed. He got bitten by one when he was around a year old and was one sick puppy for about a week, after that I was far more careful about watching him when we were out hiking. I saw more snakes than before, just by watching his actions and then looking for what he was so intense about. Found out there were more snakes around than I had ever noticed in the past, hidden in the underbrush or by rocks near trails.

[smac]

Thanks,

I know, I worry about our dog when we are out on the trails. His a Jack Russell and he is fearless.

[Ozzie_Traveller]

G'day Steve

Originally Posted by smac

Summer time around here, especially in the upper park area, means you have to watch out for rattlesnakes........ Keeps you on your toes, for sure. Cheers, Steve

Same applies to us Aussies downunder ...
Like you, over the decades I have been wandering the Aussie Outback, I have seen my share of 'em, got close to a few [both intentionally & unintentionally] and treat 'em with very great care

As you may also know, Aussie has the world's most poisonous snakes meandering around the countryside - the most poisonous being the Queensland Inland Python ... 8 inches long and whose poison kills a horse in 30 seconds ~ dunno the human figure [I haven't let it test on me]

Regards, Phil

[smac]

Thanks for you reply Phil. Seems to me I read once that most of the living things in the outback will either sting you, bite you or stick you. Sounds like a wonderful adventure as long as you are careful.

Cheers,
Steve