Okay, I've put some of the footage into a video for you. It is of an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake I found in my backyard. I also had a deer and a gopher tortoise in my backyard. The tortoise was there a month or so ago. The deer and diamondback on the same day.

This diamondback, like the others I've encountered share something in common. These are among the most docile snakes I have ever encountered.

I have read opinions on this and it seems to boil down to natural selection. Rattlesnakes can use their rattles to ward off animals that could potentially step on them. Rattling will cause, let's say, a deer to step around the snake. But with Man inhabiting these lands and the rattle drawing the attention of humans, death most often follows.

I removed the Rattlesnake from my yard, as I have with numerous pygmy rattlers, and released it further into the wild. But not before getting some great footage for you. I could have shot some more but the snake was so good about things, I just felt I needed to let him get back to his normal activities. Though I will say, it did well in its poses. It was quite a beautiful snake. Let me know if you agree.

There is just something about a diamondback rattlesnake. They are elegant and deadly all at the same time, and few things (other than a cottonmouth, of course) can literally draw my spine into a knot at the mere sight of one.

I have several rattlesnake stories, but I am due for a chiropractic adjustment tomorrow and my back is sore enough as it is.

__________________

Beautiful, Mike!! I just LOVE your videos!

Do you have an amazing zoom on that camera or were you extremely close to that snake?

When I tell folks about your videos, I refer to you as the Snake Whisperer...

You are a sweet potato, Grayton Girl. Thanks so much. But I did not have the camera on zoon. It was actually on Macro and Supermacro when I was close to the absolutely gorgeous snake. BUT... I brought a tri-pod with me and the camera was mounted there. It is the first tiime I've used my tri-pod as it was lost.

I have some more fooatge that I just did not put in, but what an ornately designed specimen. I actually reached out and touched the snake as it crawled along. Once, it whirled around on me after I kinda lost it in the brush. As it did this, I swear my scream sounded like either a crow or a 6th grade girl who just found out her best friend Cindy Lou kissed her boyfriend. Yes, that bad!

Wasn't this Eastern just absolutely incredible though? I went hiking today and thought of calling sis to go along. She wants to find some skulls or antlers but she'd have to fight me for it. Plus, she'd never go where I do. I freaked out today in some thick stuff as something moved under my feet. Oh, and I got some footage of a never before seen snake.

Sorry for writing so much. Thanks for writing to me Grayton Girl.

thanks again mike!

__________________
LIVE...BREATHE...LOVE

"I needed the pom poms. Tragically, I can't thread a needle, but Bdarg has skillz." ~jdarg

"Snake Whisperer." I like that. Very fitting. Great video Mike, thank you for sharing. I agree that the snake is beautiful. The only creepy part to me was toward the end when he was flicking his tongue. Ughhhhh

And in strike mode...

That is one awesome backyard. You must have a wildman spirit energy around you that attracts those beautiful creatures. I loved the Diamondback especially as it slivered around the pine cone~so cool. The gopher had a great attitude. Thanks for the reminder to wear heavy gloves. Loved it. Keep your camera with you.

Thanks. Around here I think many of our backyards are like this. That's why I love it here. And I may have a wildman spirit. I like that term. But I sure wish I could figure out a moneyman spirit, too. I'm actually contemplating going away for a bit. I know of some people heading to Colorado to work the ski resorts and have the perk of skiing ;) I don't like the cold but love to ski. We'll see. Tired of paying rent here too.

But regardless, I'd like to have my primary residence here. I love, love love this area. The wildlife is excellent and the vibe along 30A superb. After two years here I'm just strating to get a sense of community, with people that is , because most of my time is spent in the woods or waters. Plus, let's face it, with most homes being second homes, most people I run into are tourists.

But I'd love to 'own' something here. Right now though, I may have to go away for a bit and just hope the road takes me back to here. I'm also thinking of making a DVD of my wildilfe encounters here. Dunno.

But 'Wildman Spirit Energy' I like.

I for one hope you find a way to stay in the area. You do wonders for others who are curious of what is here in our own backyards. Should you need to travel to live, take your camera with you and continue the effort wherever you happen to make your stops. No reason not to in order to pass the time and share your experience wherever you are. Many envy your abilities including me and I consider myself quite the outdoor person, but from the frozen Northern MN tundra.

You mentioned finding antlers. I have quite a collection from my ventures I would like to show you sometime including a full skull from a huge whitetail buck I did a European mount on.

PM me sometime and we'll get together.

__________________
Anthony

Super kind! That is why I put my stuff up, Ash. Thanks so much. I shot some good footage of a Pygmy Rattlesnake today and will put it online soon. It was quite a big specimen, as Pygmy go. Its tail was flippin' and flappin'.

I'd love to get together some time, Ash. It may need to be soon though. Still not decided on the Rockies or the Keys. Which ever comes through first, I guess. Boy, I'd sure like to do both. Love to split myself in two.

Thanks again Ask, and look out for that Pygmy video I'll be posting. Unless I wait to include footage I come up with in the near future, it should be out soon.

I just edited a little video of a Pygmy Rattler that I encountered and will put it up some time later, so anyone interested can tune in for it.

I know there was some interest in snake identification and with video of it, and close-ups, I think it might help some people. Until then, later gator.

OMG we would miss your videos if you left

But I understand. WHY hasn't someone picked up your talent for a show is beyond me! You should also have some videos of YOU in there interacting like Croc. Hunter did. I am sure you have the personality to carry that off. Of course, you would not be like him, you seems less aggressive and loud, you'd be your own person, but you could do it! Make some demos and see what happens....

Anyway, good luck and keep videos posted on here even if they are of snow lol!!

Love the snakes Just hope I don't run into one at night on a walk.... once we move out that way!

G

__________________