Posted on 06/19/2021 7:18:44 AM PDT by SJackson
This is a serious rattlesnake den!
Most people either love or hate snakes. Regardless of your opinions on these reptiles, most of us can agree we do not want to encounter too many venomous snakes in our outdoor adventures here in North America. Of course, it can be rather difficult to do that if you are in a major rattler snake state like Texas, Arizona, or New Mexico.
In the case of today's video, it is Montana. This is not an ordinary snake sighting either. Literally dozens of rattlesnakes have all crammed into a small area, hiding out in crevices and a large hole in the ground.
As dozens of rattlesnakes rattle away in the hole, the brave cameraman sticks a GoPro on a stick deep into the den to get way closer and personal with the snakes than most would like. At least using this method, you do not need to fear snakebites.
The interesting thing with this video is that even though there were dozens of snakes in this hole, we did not see even one rattlesnake bite the camera. It all goes back to the fact that most species of rattlesnakes are probably more fearful of humans than we are of them.
Most snakes simply want to be left alone so they can spend time basking in the sun or hunting down their favorite meals in amphibians, and small mammals. Den sites this large are usually uncommon in most ecosystems. Although it is common for the pit vipers to gather in places like this when they go into hibernation during colder times of year.
Whether you love or hate snakes, it is important for rattlesnake populations to be maintained carefully because of the work they do keeping many rodent populations in check. With a little common sense in snake country, you can avoid dens like this entirely.
One must be careful when crossing rock piles and outcrops in snake country because denning sites like this are not a place you want to stumble into by accident. The best thing to do if you come across a den like this, whether the species is prairie rattlesnakes, timber rattlesnakes, western diamondback rattlesnakes, etc, is to leave them alone. Most snakebites happen when someone tries to capture or harm the serpents.
To borrow a phrase from the Nam era: Kill ‘em all and let God sort ‘em out!
If you have a problem with rodents, buy a mouse trap.
I have been told by Tennessee residents that it is absolutely illegal to KILL A SNAKE in Tennessee. Is that still true?
Cats are invasive species. They kill everything else as well.
One could hope. Same crap in Idaho from what I hear. Sad. NevaDUH is already done as are Colorado and New Mexico.
The only way I see this as being of concern to the average person in Montana is if they were experiencing a shortage or butter and mushrooms.
That was cool!!!
It would be bad enough if it were just dems, but if you look closely, you’ll spot mobs of GOPe variety serpents as well.
“If it’s a scorpion or poisonous spider abandon your home. Never step on it out attempt to kill these peaceful creatures.”
Not sure who offered that advice but I don’t think their home gets as many scorpions as mine does. Step on them BEFORE they get you! Scorpion spray can help but it doesn’t kill them fast.
…and then drop it off at your back porch for fun.
Not a snake person, but they have their place in nature & I believe in “live & let live”.
That being said, I’ve had to deal with Eastern Rat Snakes in the hen house, chowing down on eggs. Removed a 5-1/2 footer week before last.
As for rattlesnakes, I’ve seen a lot on the AT while doing trail work. Not all of them rattle so you have to keep your eyes open and do not put your hands any place where you cannot see what is there or step over anything without looking first. The snakes avoid conflict if they can - when they’re in a spot where we need to work, a little “hassling” with a long handled tool will convince them to move on. Mostly, we work/hike around them.
Biggest one I ever saw was a black phase Timber, as big around as my arm & with a head about as big as my hand. It did rattle, but only because we had stopped on an uphill climb to catch our breaths & inadvertently stopped directly across from it. After a couple of minutes, it likely thought we’d spotted it & that’s why we had stopped, so it started warning/rattling. We gave it plenty of room & hiked around - it had stopped rattling at that point & just followed us with its head as we went by. Biggest, most impressive Timber I’ve ever seen - that black phase really added a ‘look’ to that snake.
I use that line all the time.
My dad killed a 76” Eastern Diamondback in NW Fla many years back. Not close to the record for that species, but big enough to give any sane person the willies.
Hi.
I see Florida wasn’t mentioned. Maybe because of all the development in the state?
Florida has all kinds of snakes. Especially the eastern diamondback. Depending on size, that critter can kill you.
Another nasty critter is the pigmy rattler. He’s a hard to spot sob, but normally doesn’t kill.
Don’t come to Florida if you hate snakes. One may pop out of the lew...
5.56mm
Yeah, sometimes wearing Crocs.
Now you tell me!😶
Yes unless it’s in your house.
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