[KTM rider]

all rattlers are fast at striking if they are coiled, what I meant is crawl speed. I could have outran a diamond back ,"back in the day" but not a Mojave green or sidewinder, a person would have no chance

I would not want to get within five snake lengths if it was coiled and hissing, no chance of catching a coiled snake ready to strike, coiled and sleeping in the cold , no problem

[Mom MD]

rattlers can strike 2/3 of their body length uncoiled. Do not for a minute think they can only strike if coiled.

[editor-surveyor]

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Rattlers do not “coil” nor do they hiss.

They can instantly extend to 1/3 of their length if they are resting in their normal zig-zag position. If they are pointed down slope they can reach farther.

You get bit when you don’t see them first. If you see them first, you have the advantage. You have to look far ahead, not just at your feet.
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