I managed the organic garden operations on a large ranch in southern Arizona for four years before moving to Northern California in 2003.
Western Diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox) were a routine part of life as we attempted to coexist with the natural residents of the Sonoran Desert- javelinas, coatimundi, gila monsters, coyotes, raptors, hallucinogenic Sonoran Desert toads (Bufo alvarius), bears and mountain lions.
As the gardens were an oasis in the desert, they was routinely visited by desert mice, pack rats, rabbits and other small creatures which fed on the fruits and roots; which in return would attract the rattlesnakes, which fed on the smal creatures. Rattlesnakes were a nuasance, as they poised a potential danger to the human and canine population of the ranch; it was necessary to relocate them.
After some trial and error :0 , I developed a "snake kit" of customized snares of various lengths and heavy duty canisters in which to quickly place the snakes once caught. At the end of the day I would drive my trusty Toyota into the open desert and release the rattlers in a less populated environment. After successfully catching dozens and dozens of rattlers, I could routinely "snatch and can" 'em in under a minute.
I have had rattlesnakes travel between my legs from behind on their way to an unknown destination, and unexpectantly coil lazily around my boot seeking warmth in the cold morning.
In my experience, rattlesnakes are docile and harmless animals unless aggressively aggravated ( i.e. poked and prodded) or unexpectantly surprised ( ..like being stepped on!). If in rattlesnake country, be aware of your surroundings, respect their potential danger and always keep an ear out for
this sound.
Early on, before I had perfected my customized snares, my snare wire wouldn't release and we ended up having to take a rattler out with a sharp whack to the neck. Much to our surprise, the rattlesnake was able to coil it's body up and rattle it's tail for a good 10 minutes AFTER it's head was removed from it's body. Scarier yet, it's head was successfully striking reflexsively for 20+ minutes after it was seperated from the body. This was the only rattlesnake that I had to kill in four years on the ranch.
The most interesting snatch was a pair of diamondbacks that were in the midst of lovemaking, coiled and intertwined in sheer ectasy. Pregnant rattle snakes produce the most dangerous of all rattlesnakes...baby rattlesnakes. Babies actually will eject all of their venom at once, as opposed to the adults that will eject some of their venom some of the time.
A good friend of mine was working with me that day and was excited to assist with "snatching and canning" the rattlers with me. I first snared the much larger female and my friend Jon snared the male. As we simaltaneously lifted the snakes into the can, they blissfully continued their tryst. It is important to note that the male rattlesnake has a barbed penis, which prevents it from dislodging from the female until he choses. When we went to release the lovebirds later in the day, they were still persuing their carnal pleasures. Once released, the female immediately began to slither away into the desert, dragging the male behind her by his still inserted barbed pecker!
:MMM