A few years back, a friend (and her dog) came to visit. I joined her on the front porch, with my little furry kid. She went to sit down on the wicker chair - and just before she sat, she gasped, "Get the dogs in the house, NOW!"
I grabbed both yorkies and looked at her face, as I scurried into the house. She was running to the front door, just behind me, but looking under the chair she was about to sit on.
I followed her glance, and was shocked beyond belief - to see a ten foot long diamond back rattlesnake, relaxing under the chair she was about to sit on.
I immediately called 911, and they sent out Animal Control within minutes. The officer used his 'catcher' to grab the monster by the neck, just under the head.
But, he had a problem - he held the snake way up over his head, and it was so long, the tail was still dragging, (and whipping around and rattling, angrily).
It took two officers to get that monster into a large bucket - to relocate. I was so shocked, I don't think I took a normal breath for over three days.
The officers were visibly shaken, as one told me that was the biggest rattler he had ever seen!
The thing that bothers me, is that rattlesnakes are territorial. They always return to their "home". I have never seen it again - but sure keep my eyes open.
OMG! That was too close a call! And WAY too big a rattler! I’ve never seen one that large either. “Ours” are usually in the 4’ range - mere midgets compared to that one. But no matter the size, they’re all capable of delivering a lethal dose.
You wouldn't catch my hubby or me 'relocating' it - unless it was relocating its dead body to the dumpster.