Timber Rattlesnake Behavior

[@krauseshane79]

Thank you for posting these videos. Nice to see someone who not only appreciates these creatures, but doesn't feel the need to provoke them or make an ass of yourself. Please post more. Again, thanks.

[@fredtarnaski3085]

Appreciate that! I'm so tired of seeing the "must touch everything and make everything dangerous" videos. I'd much rather share the true behavior of them.

[@rouxchat6033]

Well, we can thank Steve Irwin for that. My husband used to lose it watching him antagonize animals. We stopped watching his shows.

[@rouxchat6033]

Love the last few little rattles as he disappeared under the rock. He was saying, "I'm bad, I'm bad. Stay away. I'm bad." LOL. I love finding all kinds of snakes, lizards, etc., on hikes. Respect them. They just want to be left alone. I do often wonder how many I've passed and never known it. Great video. Thank you.

[@p.steven2413]

Really interesting . I like how he cautiously slithered to the safety of his Hole while making the soft Rattle Noise . Many Thanks

[@HinselScott]

Thank you for this video! Great example of knowledge versus fear. 🖤

[@fredtarnaski3085]

Thank you!

[@michaelgreen7119]

Lmfao

[@jermeburns6870]

A few years ago fishing up in Potter county I stepped over a guardrail on some bigger rocks and a rattler was laying there never even seen it until it rattled and it turned away and slithered down in between the rocks never even bothered me

[@2011littlejohn1]

It was giving birth?

[@looloo6322]

I live in Arizona, there is no shortage of rattlesnakes around her. Most are docile, but the Green Mojave is a different animal, also that darn side winder, those two will chase you down.

[@btbb3726]

Great video! Concise, informative, very well narrated, and really nice visuals! Thank You!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ExploringIntuition]

We have them here in southern Ohio. I've only ever seen two. The first one was lighter in color and was in the road. It had been hit by a car, and predated upon by birds..but it was HUGE. The second one i saw, my dog noticed at first. It was laying in tall grass and my dog was right up on it sniffing it. Just by the way my dog was acting i immediately thought "snake" and went to get him away. That particular snake looked exactly like this one. Same size and coloration. It did not rattle once at my dog or even seem concerned. After i pulled my dog back to the car, i went back to check on the snake and it had crawled away. They just want to get away.

[@ralphcraig5816]

Rattlers are really bad to dogs. I lost a really great, long time friend to one. So we got a friend to come over to the ranch with his snake dog, a terrier, found 3 near the house and barns, caught them and dropped them off far from people. FAR from people...

[@ExploringIntuition]

@@ralphcraig5816 sorry to hear about your friend. i was lucky enough to get my good boy away from it in time. it was a big one.

[@DEADorALIVEkayaking]

Great video! I've always said that if you'll look at the situation from the snake's perspective...you're like 1000 times bigger than he is, he knows he can't eat you or whip you...he simply doesn't want you stepping on him or messing with him. Probably 90+% of encounters between humans and rattlesnakes end with the human never knowing he just had an encounter!

[@joans6047]

Timber Rattlers are beautiful, and I have such respect for them. I hate it when people bother them and just terrorize them because they are venomous. I do respect this video that you made for educational purposes. Maybe next time someone sees one after watching your video, they'll leave it alone and not be so fearful. Well done, y'all!

[@robinchemin3631]

I swear I think that snake just told you good bye 😂

[@richlymann6451]

Lady walks by nothing, Big guy steps up snake says here we go again…. Excellent Video..

[@shookup6599]

Thank you,most people would have it..live in East Tennessee,,we,just leave snakes a lone,,

[@fredtarnaski3085]

Thank you

[@anthonybatulis6516]

Beautiful Timber Rattler and very healthy.

[@jasonfoster9118]

The only snakes we have in Arkansas that I'm afraid to go near are the Cottonmouths. I know a lot of people talk about how they have a bad rap and won't chase you, and in most cases that is true, but I have personally had them chase me on multiple occasions. I figure this is when you're near their nest though. I love Black Rat Snakes. Every time I'm on the dirt road and see them sunning I carry them to safety. Makes me angry that people can't see how gentle and non confrontational they are but still choose to smash their head. Ugh.

[@bentnickel7487]

I had about 15 Cottonmouths as pets when I was 10 to 15 years old and finally quit handling them from boredom. They were not aggressive and if treated with respect would just slowly crawl away. I found out that if you took two wrenches and tapped them together over water cottonmouths would swim to the boat. They are extremely curious about metallic noises. One wrench slightly in the water and tap slowly. They would swim from the bank to see what you were doing. One time I had three of them circling my boat at once. I used to scare my classmates showing them that trick under a bridge at school.

[@catlink8998]

Cottonmouths are the only snake I've come across which is aggressive. Twice as a child they rushed towards me with open mouth. Now I live in prime copperhead country. The problem with them is you don't see them until you step on them! They are so well camouflaged that they don't even attempt to move away.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

You have coral snakes and rattlesnakes as well . The rattlers can be damn big there. You also have copperheads

[@1betterboy]

sounds like a preasure cooker!

[@ericl2969]

I used to try to explain to snake-haters and myth-believers that any species of snake that was naturally aggressive toward large animals passing by would have gone extinct eons ago because no snake venom acts as quickly as one well-placed heavy foot or chomping bite from an animal that's so much bigger than they are. But such people simply won't accept the fact that it's not in the snake's survival interests to be aggressive, and they see every little motion on the part of the snake as something to exaggerate in their own mind (to be further exaggerated with every re-telling) and to interpret as chasing behavior. I've given up on trying to reach these people, but I'm happy to see this neat little demonstration!

[@falconmoose1589]

Good intelligent post.

[@spelunkerd]

Occasionally I've found snakes that didn't offer a warning rattle; it is a little disconcerting to know they let you get so close with no guarantee of a warning. Sometimes they will wake up and rattle at the second guy who is closely following the footsteps of the first. We had a deaf cocker spaniel, and one day he shuffled by within inches of a loud rattlesnake without being bitten. Snakes don't want to bite big animals, it is strictly a fear response.

[@randmayfield5695]

I live in Arizona and smackdappb in some very very snaky desert. The majority of my encounters have been with non-rattling vs rattling snakes. If accidentally stepped on or bumbed you'll probably have a different experience and not a good one at that. I've come close to being bitten only twice in 25 years.

[@janetkelley1160]

I inadvertently straddled an Eastern Diamondback one time while squirrel hunting. The snake never rattled nor acted aggressive toward me. As a youth I captured both Easter Diamondbacks and many Timber rattlesnakes, they are in many cases each different in their own way. I’ve seen a few that were easily agitated and then others that just coiled up and followed my movements. A good friend of mine was seriously bitten on Blount Island in Jacksonville in the 60’s. The snake was barely four foot in length but struck above his snake boot. He told me once that snakes don’t read books and never assume they all are the same.

[@fredtarnaski3085]

They each have their own personality for sure but out of the thousands I’ve encountered over the last two decades I can honestly say I’ve never been struck at with out provoking it. Whether that be stepping on it or trying to capture it. Unfortunately accidents do happen and some people get bit stepping to close but if you see a snake and give it respect and space it is a guarantee you won’t get bit. One thing all venomous snakes share equally, they don’t like wasting venom on things they cannot eat

[@markshaw3219]

"Nothing to worry about" ... Evidently you have never been with a pet, or a young child, or a grown man that has been bitten by one of the "harmless" creatures. I have. The child lost part of his hand due to a copperhead. The child reached to turn the water on beside his house and the snake was underneath the pine straw. The adult male lost most of his caff due to a rattler while cleaning up his field from overgrowth. This after receiving an anti-venom. The dog became fertilizer due to a cottonmouth. This one was personal. My dog was bitten with me while I was fishing at a neighbors pond. He stepped into some high grass near the edge of the pond and wham! Rat snakes, king snakes, chicken snakes, etc. are cool to have around. I let them pass. The "triangular-headed" ones are the dangerous ones. If I see one I will make it fertilizer. Life lessons have taught me that venomous creatures are a threat to those that I care for. They mean more to me than these creatures. Have a good day.

[@wethepeople8542]

We lost a great pet to one of these harmless creatures. Our Bulldog saved our 5 year old daughter years ago while she was playing out back on the swing set. He took the bite in the face.

[@melvinice5727]

100 percent right on point.

[@dipsydoodle]

I spent my life in the woods as a child. I had no fear of snakes or brown bears (PA). I was never bothered by either.

[@moto5914]

Never heard of a brown bear in PA.

[@dipsydoodle]

@@moto5914 Sorry. I realized my mistake. Whatever kind of bears there are in central-eastern PA. Black I guess.

[@billmorris2613]

I too have had cottonmouths be aggressive and chase me or a family member. Most of the time they were eliminated.

[@ShawnSmith183]

I could’ve sworn that was Danny McBride in the thumbnail

[@dagnabbit6187]

The Old World Cousin as Herpers put it is the Saw Scale Viper . Both Rattlesnakes and Saw Scales can be lethal, but personality wise it seems the New World Crotalus is easier to get along with . Still I ain’t going to touch them

[@larrychaney2430]

Years ago my dad and I caught a Timber Rattler over 6 ft long and you talk about a handful of a rattlesnake is a very strong animal

[@joshuadavies2541]

Your lucky yall didnt get bit

[@wakefieldwildlife]

Great video! Love those timbers

[@1_fishin_magician153]

hello and where was this filmed. We have Timber Rattlers here in the mountains of Lake George NY as a result of a ship wreck almost 200 yrs ago...* never seen one that big though... thumbs up !!

[@fredtarnaski3085]

I don’t give exact locations but this was NW PA

[@cesarconh895]

The snake doesn't want to be lunch. It doesn't know what those creatures looking at it are.

[@SeaPro360]

I didn't realize Kenny Powers liked snakes.

[@imjuslooking7270]

Yep, he's big one. But not aggressive at all. Just wants to get away from you all. Now the Canebrake Rattlesnake, might be a bit different, a bit more aggressive from what I hear. Love these guys. We have the N. Pacific Rattler where I live. Saw a four footer one night in a park, near where I lived. Just crossed the path. No rattling whatsoever. He knew I was there though.

[@toddandangelbrowning2920]

Me and a buddy of mine were digging ginseng in southern WV. We heard the leaves rustle and immediately a yellow phase timber rattler was rattling and very aggressive. It would follow my buddy as he went around it . Sometimes you surprise them they get riled up.

[@alexanderren1097]

The snake you describe was being defensive. He was NOT "aggressive." There are NO "aggressive" species of snake that is native to North America

[@dannilaser16]

@@alexanderren1097 I’ve heard from many people that water moccasins are.

[@alexanderren1097]

@@dannilaser16 Me too. They're wrong

[@williamoxendine6121]

A lot of times snakes could have bit me once in Mineral Wells Texans I put my hand on a Diamondback rattlesnake in the grass didn’t see it just leave them alone you will be fine

[@pennymann1652]

The problem is that they blend in so well that sometimes you just don't see, or notice them...I once stepped on a Copperhead which I did not see on my path and he hit me twice in the ankle, luckily I had my snake boots on, During the warm weather I don't go into the woods without boots up to my ass!

[@forcebewithyou7746]

Saying all Timber Rattlesnakes have the same behavior is like saying all humans have the same behavior. Just like people, no two Timber Rattlesnakes are ever the same. So just because this specific one is docile, does not in any way mean the next one will be

[@richardhincemon]

Snakes are defensive not aggressive.

[@johnprendergast1338]

She walked behind it....Smart woman ...)))

[@stanstainton4680]

Thanks man love timbers

[@Ronin4614]

Really good video! Thanks.

[@squamishfish]

We have the pacific Northern Rattlesnakes in the province of British Columbia Canada , when I saw one on a path it was not bothered with us it just crawled around , In Alberta and Saskatchewan the two next provinces to us they have the Prarie Rattlesnake,

[@sirtango1]

My grandfather was working on a logging operation, when he was bitten by a timber rattler, while walking with others to their lunch break area where they would eat, refuel, and oil up the saws. They were walking in a line and there was a log across the trail in front of them. The first two guys stepped on top of the log like you should do in snake country, then stepped off the log. Second guy looked back and said that there was nothing under the log. The third guy just casually stepped over and nothing. My grandfather followed suit and BAM! A big black timber rattler nailed him in the left (I think) calf muscle. Thankfully it was a very mild envenomation, as there was some mild pain and swelling. The snake probably did a dry bite, but evidently a tiny amount of venom came out. He was taken to the hospital but he was fine and he was able to walk out of the hospital on his own.

[@trippcox2641]

that was amazing, thank you

[@scottellis8008]

Great vid. What time of year was this? I'd be interested to know. Thanks in advance.

[@fredtarnaski3085]

This was just a few days ago.

[@scottellis8008]

Fred Tarnaski so it was just coming out of hibernation and lethargic? Not sure a mid summer rattler would be so calm...no? Not sure your location so if it’s been warm for a bit I understand. Around here they are active but “getting their legs” as they say. Personally, I’m no where near this snake. And if it were typical warm weather that rattle would have been screaming before I got five- ten feet of that snake. Just an observation. Cool vid nonetheless. Appreciate the content. It’s always cool.

[@fredtarnaski3085]

No, they have been out for close to a month before this video and this was away from the den site. I've had the same reaction mid summer. It was 80 degrees when I took this video

[@kenhurley4441]

@@fredtarnaski3085 80 degrees for you,,,,,, I'd be doing a "180" yelling,,,,, mommieeeeee!

[@spencerclarke2289]

Don't tread on me literally 😆

[@americanaxetoolco2076]

Some rattlers here in Arizona don’t rattle some times! Yeah that snake wanted to go back to sleep! Lol

[@scott5803]

That thing knows it's a large piece of protein.

[@marshamartinez1861]

They can and wills trike from this distance he was on that closest rock. However they do not chase people. They have crossed people trying to get back to their habitat. Most bites are from direct contact or stepping on them by accident.

[@crisprtalk6963]

dark one! real dark.

[@andyjones9386]

That's what I thought.Where I live, Mississippi,they are much lighter and the markings on them are more clearly defined.I don't know how aggressive or passive they are because I don't mess with them!

[@ExploringIntuition]

i saw one just like this in southern Ohio about 10 years ago. It was so dark i didn't recognize it as a Timber at first.

[@alexlo7708]

If you step aside those landmines, they will not explode. So leave the landmine there.

[@leshenderson5746]

He sure would not Chace anything ever again if I were there.

[@henrybittle5234]

Up in the pa grand canyon kayaking and Saturday past we didn't see 2 different rattlers crossing the road, i ran over one in the morning and a buddy ran one over in the afternoon. Did not try to do that, thought they where cracks in the road and with traffic you couldn't jam on the brakes or swerve, shame, we don't mind them, 3 foot and on 4

[@fredtarnaski3085]

Snakes can be very difficult to see on the roads unfortunately. A lot of people will do it on purpose but a lot of people hit them on accident as well. I've only ever hit one on a highway years ago. I felt terrible about it.

[@henrybittle5234]

@@fredtarnaski3085 I just stopped and moved a 6 foot black snake off the road yesterday, have a good day bud

[@eugenelaky1993]

I'd be the run that goes outta my way to run over a snake

[@allanbrogdon5317]

@@eugenelaky1993 I was taught to kill all poisonous snakes as a kid,any doubt means Snake out of luck.Later learned from observation that either they hide or run away especially copperheads.I have killed rattlesnakes within 100yrds. Of a campground with kids playing close so while I know most are scared of being a meal when it comes to children,I will still make it safe for kids and the rattlesnake laid in the ditch and let me kill it with a rock but still didn't feel right.I saw a 3ft.rattler mountain biking and it froze then took off under a tree about 20ft. Away When I turned my head it rattled then I moved my eyes only.They can see well opposite of the things I learned.The snake and I went on about our day and I knew all they were was scared and didn't want to get eaten by the large bi- pedal mammals!

[@capnbobretired]

Interesting. And that was a big snake. I bet if it was really annoyed and and he dumped most of its venom in you, it could cause you to lose a leg.

[@jkraus8122]

Really pretty snake.

[@juliansmith6883]

I heard that sound soooooo many times as a kid playing in the woods on our farm in Georgia and never realized until now that's what I heard. I always thought it was insects or a type of bug. It's been a long time but as soon as I heard this, my memory instantly went to me being on out farm.

[@jamesbrown-th4ut]

Probably cicadas, they sound similar.

[@MrNuthed]

Your parents did you a great diservice for not explaining what the noise was or at least could have been.

[@evandorco5193]

Was picking berries in the nj Appalachians didn't realize my finger was two inches from ones mouth didn't even rattle didn't bite I left it alone it left me alone they camoflauge very well

[@2011littlejohn1]

My flesh still creeped.

[@Louie914]

Very informative video. Bless you. I hate snakes though.

[@fredpacemaker6800]

Nothing to worry about, ole Dewayne got bit earlier today and just now started throwing up....

[@richardstovall1975]

Great video.

[@JustMe-01]

I would have been interested in seeing what the snake did if she walked by the front of it, stepping over that log .. a pretty reasonable example for somebody hiking a trail.

[@fredtarnaski3085]

I know I’ve done those videos before but I’ll see what I can do when I get out again

[@577buttfan]

It probably would have started rattling but not snap

[@johnnylinfield3809]

Yeaaa go ahead Allen .. go grab em

[@lucienvandegaart3611]

Non confrontational unless you become agressive to them. Mind your own business and you won't get fanged

[@beckylangley4833]

Yeah most people get bit by either messing with the snake, stepping on them or running in the same direction. All they want to do is get away.

[@eugenelaky1993]

I'll just shoot them dead

[@Jer-Michael]

Great video

[@nicholascrump831]

Never seen a black cane brake before

[@IllegalOutdoorsman]

That was sweet

[@blackpeter70]

They get a bad rap, you know. Pick one up - you can pet 'em!

[@waltersobchak7275]

There is a video I just seen of a guy with an EDB rattlesnake and he was letting it all over his face and head. He even kissed its side. Was a beautiful snake.

[@blackpeter70]

@@waltersobchak7275 Er...no thank you.

[@wrnow822]

You're going to get someone hurt with this video. The people stepping on the rock were out of the snake's field of view nor was it able to detect them. The people had their snake booths on why didn't they walk directly in front of it if your statement was true?

[@user-sf9pq5ox7w]

nice vid. where is this? looks like perfect habitat for the snake.

[@frankkociara4228]

what a great pet

[@rcaragman]

Where is this location wat state

[@davemitchell6281]

Sleeping....... :28 awake.

[@jmarkb92]

That’s not Alan that’s Danny McBride.

[@joetroiani1781]

What state are you in?

[@moonmunster]

How come you all have big, tall boots on? Those snakes won't bite you.

[@davidoldham1946]

"pretty much all the time"....sad, they don't bite you until they do.

[@fredtarnaski3085]

Pay attention and don’t give them a reason then they don’t

[@vieuxacadian9455]

En Louisianne Francois . Nous les appelons , Sonnet de serpent .

[@mt-nv4jd]

Also, don't reach under a rock with your hand...

[@mjrotondi5086]

Good to educate the public about rattle behavior. Its unnecessary to kill a snake when most of them just want to be left alone.

[@Sandman66]

Nothing to worry about..that's why we wear snake boots...lol..ok

[@garymorris1856]

Where is this ?

[@wasteddude9387]

Big deal. My granny catches a few rattlesnakes every day. Been there done that. Yaaaawwwn.

[@mikej70]

See them too in South Jersey not aggressive get big and fat sometimes in water.

[@billmorris2613]

In my yard or on my property the rattle snake would be a dead snake if I had the means to kill it or the time to get something to kill it with.

[@-jimmyjames]

superb!

[@oldrango883]

Wait, is that Ricky? TPB

[@hieppham7435]

How cold was it?

[@Xsheaffer]

Also my question. They are docile if cool out.

[@fredtarnaski3085]

Note the light clothing. It was 80 degrees that day

[@z978ady]

Doesn't that also mean you can walk by one and get bit without any rattling?

[@bentnickel7487]

You've been watching too many westerns. That's Hollywood bullshit. I've practically stepped on cottonmouths and rattlesnakes and all they want, is to be left alone.

[@z978ady]

Be my guest.

[@elzaaltmann]

Leave it alone

[@NoGoBu]

Short barrel 12 gage can fix that problem. 💀

[@eugenelaky1993]

Or a 357 mag loaded with snake shot

[@williamsimmons152]

So you assholes could shoot each other and the snake lives.

[@suzannedeaton48]

That’s a big snake

[@roccoconte2960]

Try leaving the snake alone

[@richardhincemon]

Snakes are defensive not aggressive.

[@ronniedaniel1584]

I seen one it had 13 Rattlers and a button on it

[@budsforyou5908]

Shoulda mentioned the smell. On your toes you can smell em before you hear em.

[@fredtarnaski3085]

There is a smell but it's not always a common thing.

[@ict-wf8ur]

most all snakes just want to get away because to them, we are the danger.

[@smokymtn.bearhunter6979]

Never trust a snake 🐍. We agree to disagree

[@Oprtnst]

What was the temp?

[@fredtarnaski3085]

Pushing 80 degrees

[@Oprtnst]

@@fredtarnaski3085 As I'm sure you know.. if it's a cold night, and they haven't warmed up yet... makes them more docile.

[@michaelperine2780]

I have only killed one rattlesnake in my life. I skinned it and ate it. Not bad with tartar sauce.

[@adrianjohnson650]

Too close for comfort!

[@sting1111]

Sad that this video is shot at very poor resolution it’s not viewable. Better luck next time.

[@fredtarnaski3085]

Not sure what you mean. The resolution is very clear on everything I can view it from plus has 183,000 views without anyone having a similar issue? Maybe the device you’re using or poor connection while viewing?

[@franklinbolander1916]

SHOTGUN!

[@tooge47]

Forget the snake, show more of the blonde hottie in the far background !!!

[@yeetarmyitstimeforgoodtime8958]

She's underage clown