Well, not in my yard precisely, but in my path down to my barn. I was walking with my dogs down to feed my horse this morning and sunning herself across the path was a 5’ Eastern Diamondback rattler. Beautiful snake, vivid brown diamonds on her back. I called the dogs safely away and called my stepfather to look at it. The commotion caused it to mosey away after a half-hearted rattle. I didn’t kill it (of course). Hopefully as fat as it was (about as big around as a big lemon) it has been eating lots of mice and rats. It seems to be living in an old rock wall, not too close to either the house or the barn. I’m pretty much live and let live as far as that’s concerned.
I commend you for not automatically rushing to kill the snake. Some people go into a panic when they see snakes.
My late grandfather hated snakes. He had a small farm, and he often boasted about how many snakes he had killed. He also complained bitterly about the rodent problem he had in his barn, in his livestock feed supply, and in the farmhouse. Somehow Grandpa could never see that his extermination of the snakes had created an overpopulation of rats and mice.
Update - Tonight one of my dogs has a very swollen (in a loose pouchy way) jaw. I can’t imagine that the snake got her - I think that after 10 hours a 55lb dog would be dead if bitten by the most venomous snake in North America. Fiona has been hunting wasps all day and I think it more likely she’s been stung by a wasp. I called the pet ER and told them about everything. They recommended I give her 2 Benedryl and keep an eye on her. She doesn’t seem to be in any distress, but new I’m worried.
Snake people tell me that a lot of rattlesnake strikes on things too big to be prey are “dry” or at least partially so in that little or no venom is injected. They are purely defensive.
Oh, and you found a rattlesnake in your backyard? :eek: I’d be so stressed out, I’m not sure I could continue to live there.
I hate reptiles. Mr. Pundit and I were discussing where we’d like to live when we retire. #1 on my list of places that were automatically excluded from consideration: any place where you have to worry about alligators eating your dog.
No, the benedryl hasn’t helped. I talked to my vet today. (Fortunately, my vet has given me her home and cell numbers. I didn’t call last night because it was so late. Unfortunately, she’s moved to Alabama. I still have the other vets at her clinic, but she’s my good friend.) Anyway, she told me to give her shots of penicillan and DMSO (which I know I had, but can’t find now. I’ll have to get more) and to call the clinic tomorrow and get some steroids. With the swelling I can see one puncture mark on her face near her lip. Fiona still seems to feel well, although she’s a bit more clingy than usual. She hasn’t had any breathing or drinking problems. It seems clear that she must’ve been tagged by the snake.
'Round here we just call animal control and they are taken away and released elsewhere. As helpful as those buggers are, I’d rather have a non-venemous snake hanging around.
Sorry to hear about your dog. At least it wasn’t one of your kids. I always kill rattlesnakes myself. If it’s non-poisnous, I leave it alone. You ought to get a .410 shotgun to keep handy.
StG
I hope your dog is okay. Sharing the land with other creatures is, to me, desirable, but sometimes problematic.
One of my dogs came down with the same swollen jaw, as well as eyes, no way could it have been a poisonous snake (we are in central Denver) but whatever bit her was something fairly powerful. This dog is a big girl, 155 pounds.
I could not see a puncture mark but her face is very dark. I gave her the Benedryl but the swelling did not go down until the next day. Best wishes to you guys.
Agreed. Always kill any snake with a diamond shaped head. If it has rattlels make sure it isn’t coiled when you go near it. Then kill it with a shovel or something making sure you cut off its head. Then bury the head deep in the ground. I hate killing things, but these things are dangerous. Also, the smaller the rattler is the more lethal poision it contains. (Cite upon request)
This is from a guy who won’t even kill spiders in his own house. I’m a fisherman who goes in the wilderness, and have first hand experience.
Fiona seems to be doing very well. The swelling is reduced. I have her on antibiotic and steroid injections and I’ve mixed furazone and DMSO and applied it to the puncture to reduce the swelling and draw out the poison. She’s active and seems well. I don’t have any kids, except the furry ones.
I’ve been following this thread a bit and I’m glad your pooch is okay. I don’t really have a snake problem round here but we have four curious and defensive dogs that would go after a snake faster than they go after dropped food so I’d prolly kill the snake before they get themselves bitten.
Okay so I’d prolly get my brother to kill it…
I’ve encountered rattlesnakes at least a dozen times on various wilderness hikes, and have yet to discern any reason to kill them. They typically undertake to give you some warning (that is, after all, what the rattle is for) and if you stay, say, 5’ away you should be fine.
My best friend lives in South Carolina. She had a dog bitten by a rattler, the dog survived… only to be eaten by a gator about 3 months ago. Since my friend is the mother of 3 children under 10 years old, she kills any poisonous snake or alligator that she sees near her yard.
I had a baby rattler at my pool last year. He was so cute. My BIL and I trapped him and took him across the road to a big empty field. I kept looking for a bigger snake all the rest of the day but never saw one. The big rattlesnakes will get killed cause that’s the only way I know how to get rid of em. Fortunately, I’ve only ever seen one big rattler in my yard. They seem to like my neighbors’ yard a lot better. They have several of em every year. Any regular non-poisonous snakes get to live, even the one that was on my back porch a couple of years ago and scared the s**t out of me when I stepped on it at 5:30 AM! :eek:
Typically but not all the time. And some breeds are more prone to doing so. I have firsthand knowledge of a woman who was bit without a warning at all while walking through tall grass.