re: MASSIVE Western Diamondback

Now frick that, y’all.

Living Rattlesnakes is when we draw the line.

That's a big mofo and a BIG nope to handling that bastard!

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In your first two pics, the snake had plenty of room to wheel around for a hit. Was that not a concern?

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It’s a concern as far as how far I’ll go, in the sense that I let that Black-tail get a lot closer than I let that WDB get. You have to read the snake’s attitude and body language. All 3 of our much smaller WDBs on this trip were very pissy, strikey, and rattled the whole time. This monster did not rattle once and at no point did it get defensive or aggressive. It just wanted to proceed on its way. The guy I was with the rest of the trip had recently put one this size around his neck - I probably could have with this one, but I certainly wasn’t going to.
Same with the Black-tails. A couple rattled constantly and had their eyes locked on you the whole time so with them I did little or no handling, but the first Black-tail we got was super chill. I free handled that one more than any other venomous snake I’ve handled. 99% chance I could have free handled that one just like a non-venomous snake. I didn’t go that far, but let that one get well within strike range with very little concern.

If you are ever south of Abeline, send me a message. I have 250 acres w some wdb on it. Welcome to catch as many as you want, as long as you take them w you. Rehome, boots, hatbands, pets. Don’t care. Just gone.
I can prob leverage another 500 to 1000 acres as well w advanced notice.

Thanks, might take you up on that offer next time I’m passing through.

@TigrrrDad,

On your western excursions, have you ever come across a mojave green rattlesnake?

They have a pretty fearsome reputation for the toxicity of their venom, from what I've read.

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On your western excursions, have you ever come across a mojave green rattlesnake? They have a pretty fearsome reputation for the toxicity of their venom, from what I've read.

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This was my first trip out West and we didn’t get any this time. You’re right - they can be 10-50x more lethal than a Western Diamondback. Interestingly, there are major regional differences in their venom type. There’s a type A venom that has minimal localized hemorrhagic effects so initially appears less severe, but has severe neurological effects so it’s much more potent. The type B venom has more localized effects like most pit vipers but is less lethal.

TigrrDad - We share a passion for herping, but I have not reached the point (may not ever) where I handle the venomous ones other than with a snake hook. I envy your confidence in sensing the "mood" of a snake. Hope someday we cross paths, maybe on the Honey Island roads, though I don't get out there as much as I used to.

For those that don't understand, you either have a fascination with snakes or not. No real explanation. If you do, you want to learn about them and be where they are to see what they do. My childhood dream was to be a herpetologist, but like being a cowboy or a fireman, life goes in directions you may not see when you're 10 years old. At least it can be an avocation.

Do you have health insurance?