Posted: 4/12/2004 4:39:20 AM EDT
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As the weather continues to warm, it's that time of year again. While out at AZstan this past week we were lucky enough to see a 2 foot Gila monster (yes Annarchy got pics), and the people over the hill killed a Rattle snake (yes Annarcy yelled at them). So when your out enjoying nature, be sure to watch out for the locals. |
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Last summer was the first in 5 that I had seen a rattler in AZ. Saw 4. Three were within 100' and 24 hours of each other and it was guessed there was a den nearby. I spent the next few days hiking the area looking for a cave or hole and never came up with anything. Ran into a few donkeys, some coyotes, a bobcat and a few really big scorpions too. Didn't see any gilas. There's always this summer. -luke |
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I came across a Gila Monster about three years ago. He was walking along the path as we walked down from Tonto National Monument. He was orange an black. I've been in Arizona for eight years and still haven't seen a Rattle snake. Heads up! Don't kill Rattle Snakes. They keep the varmits down. |
 Yeah its that time of year kiddies. Watchout for them snakes.. Watch out for these guys too! www.ebaumsworld.com/badgers.html |
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I generaly catch and release at least 3 rattlers a year when they get in our compound. Last year I caught a desert coral snake that was trying to get into my office. I've gotten to the point that I usually just use a broom handle and a large plastic trash can to catch them. The worse are the sidewinders, damn those are some fast and aggressive little buggers! Largest I ever caught was a 5 foot Western Diamondback. Edited to add: Spiders and other creepy crawlies are terminated with EXTREME prejudice. |
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I know of 3 that didn't get to survive: 1st one: came up next to the beer cooler, didn't have proper ID to show he was 21 or older. 2nd one: coiled up about 10' away from where one of the guys had his bivouac. 3rd one: got friendly when i went to do my morning business. 4th one, on a trail and he was busy, apparantly had a meeting to go to, didn't care about us. He passed along with no incident. -luke |
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In high school I found a gila monster out by the river, so I caught him and took him home. Kept him in an aquarium for a couple of weeks. Then someone informed me that it was illegal to mess w/ them so I took him back out and let him go. How's this for lucky though, I used to handle the thing with nothing more than a pair of thin leather work gloves. I later came to find out how stupid that was considering they don't let go once they latch on to you. |