I had just taken Zeke down the driveway for a little constitutional before Leah and I left for our regular Wednesday lunch (huevos rancheros, sauves, por favor) and grocery stove visit. We got into the car and started down the drive, and then we saw this.
I wondered where the stick had come from, since there aren’t any trees right there to drop a limb and it wasn’t there when I had just gone by there. Then we got a little closer, and I said, “Whoa, look at that!”
It was a rattle snake, and a good sized one. I got out of the car with my phone to take a better shot.
I didn’t get very close, maybe eight feet. The snake wasn’t coiled, so I doubted that it could strike very far, but I didn’t want to disturb it, and I especially didn’t want to risk a bite. I got back into the car and drove slowly past. It still didn’t move.
What a beautiful creature. It’s holding its rattlers up, but not making any sound.
I have mentioned snakes before, and as I have said, I don’t see venomous snakes around the house. Or I didn’t. This confirmed that they are, indeed, in our yard. From now on I’m going to be a little more careful when I go traipsing blissfully unaware through the tall grass.
Basking on your warm concrete, maybe? Digesting a meal? (That’s what I would do.)
Wow! A rattlesnake! A very beautiful creature and one I have never crossed paths with. Yes, I think being careful when you are traipsing through the tall grass sounds like a very good idea.
Paul — I think you’re right. The snake was probably basking on the concrete. I’m glad it wasn’t in the road. It wouldn’t have lasted long there.
Robin — Wow, indeed. I have seen a few rattlers. I wonder how many I have passed without seeing them.