This past weekend we went to my mom and step-dad's house. They live...well, in the middle of nowhere...between Sabinal and Utopia. My step-dad, Frank, raises deer and apparently other "fun" animals. While he and Mike were out riding around on the mule they encountered a scary sight.
Mike, apparently, had his leg dangling from the side of the mule and when they passed the snake it began to rattle its tail. Mike, being from the north, had never seen anything like it. When Frank caught sight of it, it had his head cocked and was ready to strike. Thankfully, Mike pulled his leg in before the snake had a feast. After a few shots, the snake gave in. If you've ever killed a snake before then you know they wiggle and squirm well after they are "dead." Frank gave it an extra bullet just in case. The damn thing wouldn't stop moving. It was kinda freaky. It measured 64 inches...that's over 5 feet long and it had 10 rattles. So, I think Mike is traumatized for life. He's now insisting he buys a pair of boots and long pants before going back. I'd have to say I agree.
2 comments:
"That's a HUGE bitch!"
Yeah, I am going to be getting some snake-proof boots soon myself. These guys are not a joke and protecting yourself against them is a necessity.
Walking in a snake's environment, you are likely to pass closely by them without knowing it. Should you step on one or pass too closely when it's in a foul mood...
Ahhhh... Crotalus atrox. What a fine specimen. And friggin' huge!
Boots are good at protecting feet, ankles, and lower legs. Pants are good at absorbing any blood and excess venom on the skin. You're better off with armor or chain mail. Of course, I just looked up snake boots, and they pretty much protect your lower leg. They even make attachable snake guard leg armor or chaps which are far cheaper per pair than boots.
I'm glad I only encounter the occasional black widow (almost every week). I can step on them.
I've seen 2 scorpions around here in the last 2 years. Never in my neighborhood.
There is something inherently wrong when somebody takes their gun along on an outing as a normal precaution. I'm thinking the outing needs to be thought through a little better.
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