Rattle Snakes

[ReDiscovering]

OK, I have to ask the question.

What are the possiblities that I will see or run into a rattle snake?    

I was born in West Texas and have seen many.   I'm now 48 years old and I swear, I'm more freaked out by the thought of a rattle snake than I was back then.   And back then, I might have jumped through a plate glass window to get away from one.    Yes, I have a full-blown fobia.  An unralistic terror of rattle snakes.  I was 30 years old before I could touch a picture of one.   That is no joke.   OK, I've said it!  (insert 12-step jokes here).

anyone?

[randell]

I saw one in 1998.  Have been about 12 times since then and haven't seen a snake since 1998.  So I'd say you have to be lucky or looking.

[Al]

This time of year, very low. Been going out there for more years at this time of year than I have fingers and toes and have only seen one non-poisonous snake.  Regardless it's a good idea to watch where you're walking and don't stick your hand where you can't see.

Al

[bdann]

Man, I have a huge fear of snakes too!  I've only seen one in the park, it was a small rattler on the Window Trail.  (I jumped up on a big boulder and let it pass, my hiking buddy thought it was hilarious).

[chisos muse]

1st week of Feb. is still pretty chilly. Even if we have a warm afternoon here chances are they still won't be out...  Having said that, there is of course always a possibility.....this place is always full of surprises. Part of what makes her so intriguing!

[ReDiscovering]

Man, I have a huge fear of snakes too!  I've only seen one in the park, it was a small rattler on the Window Trail.  (I jumped up on a big boulder and let it pass, my hiking buddy thought it was hilarious).

Thanks bdann, I have a great image of you on that rock.   I totally get it.   I'm generally a fairly tough guy, mentally and physically, but snakes (ok, yes, even garden snakes.   Pause here to laugh.  I'm a man, I can take it.)  turn me into that 1950's image of the housewife standing on the chair crying "EEEEK".  

When I was 6 years old, I went deer hunting with my Dad near Van Horn and late at night when we were unpacking the car to sleep in the bunkhouse, I almost stepped on a rattler.  My brother told me to "FREEZE!" and my dad shot it.  Snake blood splattered everywhere.  They went all through the bunkhouse, opening drawers and cabinets to make sure there were no more.    This was not a good experience for a little boy who's favorite movie was BAMBIE!

Steven

[bdann]

I had a close call when I was a kid too, I guess that's where it comes from.  I'm not afraid of spiders, scorpions, etc...just snakes.  i don't like seeing them on TV, in a zoo, pet store, etc.

[jeffblaylock]

I've been going to the park at all seasons regularly since 1999, and I've seen exactly one snake there.

You're most likely to see a snake in a place where it can warm itself in the sun, which along most of the trails in Big Bend means rocks.

Best advice I have is to take a good look at where you're thinking about sitting down. Look under the rock, atop the rock, to either side, and rattle the brush with a trekking pole. Never put your hand where you can't see it. And don't worry too much about 'em.

[ReDiscovering]

I've been going to the park at all seasons regularly since 1999, and I've seen exactly one snake there.

You're most likely to see a snake in a place where it can warm itself in the sun, which along most of the trails in Big Bend means rocks.

Best advice I have is to take a good look at where you're thinking about sitting down. Look under the rock, atop the rock, to either side, and rattle the brush with a trekking pole. Never put your hand where you can't see it. And don't worry too much about 'em.

ROFLOL!!!    Gee thanks, Jeff.   You list 6 obsessive and careful things to do plus the last one "oh yeah, and dont really worry too much about em."   LOL.

No, Im not obsessed with it or anything.   It wont prevent me from watching the beautiful scenery and smelling the clean air.  I am cautious and I know the warm/cold cycles of "cold-blooded" animals as we used to call them.   But thanks all for the input.   It HAS put my mind to rest quite a bit.  

Steven

[SHANEA]

Where's Waldo the snake?  I failed this test.  Rattlesnakes, if I see one I'll stay clear.  I've probably been within inches or feet of many rattlesnakes over the years.  Only seen one and that was on the road between PJ and RGV.   But, then again I don't go out of my way looking for them.  I am extremely careful about where I put my hands, but that's about it.   I'm more worried about having enough Capt. Morgan or Dewars....  

Play this game of "find Waldo the snake" thanks to Mr. BobCat...

http://www.bigbendchat.com/viewtopic.php?t=2763

[The Trout Whisperer]

The you to see a rattlesnake the temps are gonna have to be above 50.

Taht is why ya see so mahy ran ove in the springtime...they go to the roads for warmth at nite.....

It is too cold for the darlins this time of year..

unless you run into a downjacketed rattlesnake....LOL

i LEARned quite abit about them during a couple of stints as a seasonal Nat'l Park Ranger...even fed them during talks at Chickasaw NRA

[bdann]

even fed them during talks at Chickasaw NRA

they've got one as big around as my arm up there in the nature center, at least they did a few years ago...

[The Trout Whisperer]

the one that I dined with passed away in the mid nineties...they have another one now....

I'm not really afraid of them or grizzlies for that matter...
I just have a very healthy respect for both of em.....and I'd rather not see them when I'm out backpacking...LOL

[dryer]

32 years of Big Bend and have only 'heard' a rattler (under a rock), never seen one.
I seem them here at home.
Lots and lots of non-venomous snakes but no rattlers/copperheads/etc. in BiBe.

[Undertaker]

Visiting park since 66, only seen one, not a fan myself, this time of year not likely, but as Chisos said suprise is what makes the Park.  If you do jump make sure it is not OFF THE SOUTH RIM.