They dont worry me much either, but that was right by my camp and i have a five and a one year old that play out there. So it is what it is

All snakes taste like chicken. I am just saying... But I gotta say if I came up on one I might not kill it...much.

those are some cool looking snakes...i'd rather handle a cane brake rattler than a pit bull.

sick of seeing people kill snakes because they're scarred of them, i understand if it's poisonous and in a neighborhood with kids and pets...bottom line, for a forum for outdoors type people...we've got some people that know jack @#$#@ about their surroundings.

Was a nice looking snake

While in grad school at SFA, I saw a researcher give a thorough presentation of the life-history and current status of the timber rattlesnake. In short, these snakes are incredibly rare and, in the presenters own words, "facing certain extinction in all its range during the next half century" (all due to low reproductive rates, habitat fragmentation, and frequent removal and killing of them). I believe this is considered the second rarest snake in Texas (next to the Louisiana Pine Snake).

Very unfortunate to see a photograph of a recently killed one (and quite stupid to post it on a public forum).

Just my two cents.

I do not know what woods you play in, but around these parts those things are far from rare. I dont kill chicken or king snakes if that makes any of you feel better. Next they will tell me not to kill stumptails. By the way not scared of them a bit. Have caught several over the years. Not taking a chance on my kids getting bit for a tree hugger.

i wouldve killed it if i wouldve seen it..

run the chance of getting bit and dying from poison, or just get rid of the threat...hmmmm...

Nice

What county was this?

dead or live?

If you don't want your kids bit by snakes, teach them about snakes, keep them in safe areas, and make sure they are wearing appropriate clothing. Or don't take them to your deer lease.

I take my niece fishing, there's a threat of cottonmouths. We have seen many of them. But I keep her out of rocks and rip rap, on a level area where snakes would be easily noticed. We have lanterns and appropriate clothing. When we see a cottonmouth we leave it alone, unless it comes near us. I throw a rock, it swims away. They don't all have to die.

Killing a snake that posed no threat to you or your kids (you were in your TRUCK) is shortsighted and unnecessary. Icing on the cake is it's a timber rattler. When you choose outdoor activities like hunting and fishing snakes come with the territory, and sorry, they were there first.

guess you have never had a cottonmouth chase you then.

Neither have you or anyone else. There are longitudnal studies explaining why people believe cottonmouths chase people. The nuts and bolts are this...If it is warm enough (summer), when presented with danger cottonmouths will make a "b-line" for water, even if this means moving closer or past the approaching predator. This creates the illusion you are being chased. If it is spring or fall, they may not have had the opportunity to themoregulate to the point they can become mobile (cold-blooded and not "warmed up"); therefore, they stand their ground and use a defensive display by opening their white mouth, hence the name cottonmouth.

Why is it, for example, the Bear attacks from last week, when people go into the habitat of wild animals and something goes wrong, it is the animal that loses. In the case of the Bear attack, a mother Bear and her cubs have been captured. Unfortunately, all three will be put down because people went camping in a know Bear habitat.

When are people going to take responsability for the situations they put themselves into. If someone and their family spends time in the woods, then they should prepare all parties involved on what to possibly expect.

I do have to say it is quite funny how grown men can be so scared of a snake. Everyone has the opportunity to walk around or in the opposite direction rather than killing the snake.

Some good points Wilkins. Check out this snake post!
http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=935