timber rattlesnake.

[bigcountry]

Step one, catch the rattlesnake...

http://holzking.net/gallery/albums/gorge/snakeman.jpg

Then you get him to say "CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE"

http://holzking.net/gallery/albums/gorge/IMG_5932.jpg

[Woolburr]

No thanks.

[johnstoy]

Exceptionally dangerous...That is really going to extremes for a photo...And yet, is done by professional naturalists, to bring attention to the reality of it's existance...

A rare photographic capture of a Blond Phase Timber Rattler... That medium size rattler probably weighs out close to 7 pounds...

What state did you get this photo in?

[bigcountry]

wasn't dangerous at all. the snake was about 4 feet and probably weighed in at 5 pounds or so...timbers are usually very placid and calm. it's when people get excited around them, then they get excited...he didn't rattle much and even didn't bother to strike.

i was snake hunting (read that to mean seeking out, not killing or collecting) long before i was into taking photos.

they use to be way more populated throughout the eastern u.s., but due to habitat loss and people slaughtering them at sight, their numbers have dwindled. in kentucky, they seem plentiful enough, but in indiana they are at endangered status. however, everytime one is killed in indiana, the culprit is never arrested or issued a citation...they were "killing it to save my family."

it's too bad these creatures are so misunderstood by people, they are quite majestic.