Rattlesnake

Sitting in the truck, waiting for dark, and some UV prospecting, when this rattler crawled out of the sagebrush. Thought you prospectors might enjoy it. It's either a Great Basin, or Prairie rattler. we don't have Western Diamondbacks here (thankfully). Ours are much more shy and retiring, but still pack a punch if you get careless. There was a cold spell coming in, and he was headed for the deeper crevices in the basalt, up the hill from me. He knew where he was going, and I couldn't steer him away from that direction. This was last week, at Idaho's Big Lost River. I let him go on his way.

[@markg6836]

Amazing creatures, blends in well when they're not moving. But still frightening.

[@jimnelson7740]

Western rattlesnakes aren't nearly as bad as Western Diamondbacks. more laidback, and a less potent venom, and smaller venom load. But still dangerous. I worry more about Heidi than myself. My policy is to avoid the areas that have snakes during their active season. I also keep Heidi's snake shots up to date.