Spring = rattle snakes?

[doogievlg]

I have been doing alot of hiking/climbing in eastern kentucky and was wondering if I need to be concerned about rattle snakes. It seems like everytime I am on a steep hill I always manage to put my hand under a rock or something and the only thing i can think about is that there is prob. going to be a snake here soon. Apperently rattle snake hunting is a big thing where I climb and I am wondering if anyone else has had any run-ins with snakes while climbing?

[toad857]

They're around, but don't expect to find many of them. Still, don't be surprised when you do. They're still hibernating right now, I believe.

Timber rattlesnakes are very docile (as far as rattlers go). Their main defense is to remain still, and you can bet that they're holding their breath just hoping that you won't see them. Interestingly, many timber rattlesnake bites (including a bunch at natural bridge) happen after someone's already picked up the snake, put it back, then picked it back up again. Same goes for copperheads.

Many sunny crags used to be notorious for copperhead dens... but over time, certain entitled climbers have wiped them out. With stick clips. Like pussies.

[doogievlg]

I am packing up right now to get into the woods...ill keep an eye out while cleaning, just incase one woke up early.

[GWG]

Here's a rattlesnake I came across. They're certainly out there.

[Jeff]

Uhm, stickin' yer hand under a rock is bad. Mmm Kay?

[KD]

GWG where is the rest of the snake?

[GWG]

The picture can only be so big to attach. Had to crop it. Here's a shot of the tail.

[milspecmark]

While camping at Koomer ridge last year there was a timber rattlesnake. It was on the side of the road minding its own business. Some idiot thought it would be a good idea to signal a car over to run over the snake. They thought the snake was a danger to the campers in the area. After running over the snake a few times and only pissing it off, they decided to leave it there to die a slow painfull death. Its ribs were all broken and it was snapping and really pissed off. Anyway, I felt bad for the snake so I decapitated it, skinned it, and grilled it up later that night. I have a real problem with these idiots torturing a snake for no reason and leaving it for dead. I figured the next best thing would be to at least eat it. It was tasty.

[cliftongifford]

Some idiot thought it would be a good idea to signal a car over to run over the snake. They thought the snake was a danger to the campers in the area. After running over the snake a few times and only pissing it off, they decided to leave it there to die a slow painfull death.

I'm pretty sure I'd be attempting to kick someone's ass if I saw this going on.

[milspecmark]

lol. Beleive me, the thought crossed my mind. It was a teenage girl though.