Camping season is upon us

[billvon 3,120]

>Anyway the guy was saying that the majority of all rattlesnake
>bites are from people trying to pick them up . . .

Yep. ER stats show that most rattlesnake bites occur on young inebriated males. Of course, most of them claim that they were minding their own business when they were ambushed by the snake.

A less common scenario plays out around here on occasion. Mountain biker cruises down a trail, sees a snake sunning himself on the trail, panics, tries to turn, falls off the bike (generally onto or near the snake) - snake then bites him. If you just ride straight over them they're not fast enough to get your leg, and they're not big enough to endo the bike.

[Shotgun 1]

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ER stats show that most rattlesnake bites occur on young inebriated males.

I was dating this guy (years ago) that would pick up a rattlesnake anytime he saw one... and yes, there was usually alcohol involved... and, being in West Texas, there were lots of rattlesnakes around... and I wouldn't be surprised if he has been bitten by a rattlesnake by now!

[steve1 5]

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In only one case did a rattler bite when stepped on.

........................................................................
We had a neighbor who stepped on a rattlesnake as he went out to empty the garbage. He had low shoes and was bitten. Next they rushed him to the hospital and pumped him full of anti-venom, which he was alergic to, and he almost died.

I just love snake stories, but this one scared the hell out of me.

My family and I were out camping and I was bow hunting. My little daughters found a wet area and were catching small toads. My youngest daughter almost stepped on rattler that was all coiled up. The older daughter grabbed her just before she stepped on it. I hate to think what could have happened. A bite from a timber or prairie rattler may not usually be fatal, but for a small child the story might be different. We were miles from the nearest hospital.

Speaking of big snakes...We were out in the desert once north of San Antonio. Being young and dumb, we decided to kill a couple of big Diamond Backs with rocks. I'd never seen big snakes like that before. Both were over five feet long and as big around as your arm. We got the job done with the rocks, but not without ALMOST stepping on a couple other snakes that were also there in the sage brush. They were striking at the rocks and even seemed to be biting themselves.

We should have left them alone. Should have used the meat too. All we saved was the skins. I've done a lot of stupid things in my day....Steve1

[OATSF14 0]

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I've done a lot of stupid things in my day

Haven't we all.....

[warpedskydiver 0]

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I've done a lot of stupid things in my day

Haven't we all.....

when I was eight I killed a frog for no reason by putting an arrow in his mouth and letting go of the bow string...I felt very bad when I found him he was dead and his hands were clasped as if he were praying.

[JohnRich 4]

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they try to avoid biting because it is safer to try to get away than to bite.

It's my experience that they are very passive. You have to get rather close for them to even rattle (it's actually a buzzing sound). And even when a stick is waved in front of them, they won't strike it. They just want to be left alone. I'm quite happy about this.

But someone is always throwing out a rumor about how "this summer" they are striking first without rattling. I think that may be urban legend crap.

I've also heard that they strike the 2nd guy in line. The first person that passes by gets them agitated, and then the 2nd guy is the one that gets bit. So, ahem: "I'll take the lead!"

[OATSF14 0]

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They just want to be left alone. I'm quite happy about this.

Amen to that.

[Richards 0]

I imagine that in that way they are like most other wild animals. Fighting is their last option.

Richards

My biggest handicap is that sometimes the hole in the front of my head operates a tad bit faster than the grey matter contained within.

[Richards 0]

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Speaking of big snakes...We were out in the desert once north of San Antonio. Being young and dumb, we decided to kill a couple of big Diamond Backs with rocks. I'd never seen big snakes like that before. Both were over five feet long and as big around as your arm. We got the job done with the rocks, but not without ALMOST stepping on a couple other snakes that were also there in the sage brush. They were striking at the rocks and even seemed to be biting themselves.

Ok. That would be a bit much for me. I would have soiled myself.

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Should have used the meat too. All we saved was the skins.

Everyone keeps saying rattler meat is good. Are there any specialty food places anyone knows of in toronto that sell it? I suspect I will have to wait untill I get down south before I can try it. It's like crawfish, in that I keep hearing everyone say how great it is but I can't get it up here

Richards

My biggest handicap is that sometimes the hole in the front of my head operates a tad bit faster than the grey matter contained within.

[Richards 0]

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A less common scenario plays out around here on occasion. Mountain biker cruises down a trail, sees a snake sunning himself on the trail, panics, tries to turn, falls off the bike (generally onto or near the snake) - snake then bites him. If you just ride straight over them they're not fast enough to get your leg, and they're not big enough to endo the bike.

[Amazon 7]

http://www.exoticmeats.com/store/index.php?cPath=24_57

But man it aint cheap

at those prices I would love to start catching them again.

[skydyvr 0]

Damn, put yer teeth in!

. . =(_8^(1)

[Amazon 7]

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Damn, put yer teeth in!

AWWW poor baby to much of a wuss to post a picture of your face and yet you want to slam.....tsk tsk tsk

[warpedskydiver 0]

Everyone keeps saying rattler meat is good. Are there any specialty food places anyone knows of in toronto that sell it? I suspect I will have to wait untill I get down south before I can try it. It's like crawfish, in that I keep hearing everyone say how great it is but I can't get it up here

Richards

[steve1 5]

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A less common scenario plays out around here on occasion. Mountain biker cruises down a trail, sees a snake sunning himself on the trail, panics, tries to turn, falls off the bike (generally onto or near the snake) - snake then bites him. If you just ride straight over them they're not fast enough to get your leg, and they're not big enough to endo the bike.