Rattlesnakes: Everything's Bigger in Texas
Update: The general consensus is that the decimal point was probably misplaced in the reported weight of this snake...it's closer to 9.7 pounds than to 97. Also, the length is suspect due to the camera angle. We're still waiting for Snopes to give us the straight scoop.
The photo shown at right is circulating via email, so you may have already seen it. The rattlesnake in the picture is reported to be 9' 1" long and weighs 97 pounds, the same dimensions as the average runway model. It was killed at the Turkey Creek Gas Plant located near Fritch, Texas, up in the Panhandle north of Amarillo.
This appears to be a Western Diamondback rattlesnake, the largest of the species, and also the most aggressive. Unlike some of its more laid-back brethren, this guy will turn and chase you if you encounter him on a bad fang day. It's not uncommon for these snakes to exceed 5' in length, but it's rare that they grow longer than 7'...and a 9 footer is, well, amazing.
I've engaged in some rattlesnake hunting in the distant past. In fact, one of my earliest dates with the slip of a girl who would later become MLB involved driving along the shoulders of nearly deserted west Texas highways looking for rattlesnakes to capture, with the idea of converting their skins into hatbands. (The fact that she eventually agreed to marry me is still one of the great mysteries of the universe.) We were fearless around the dinky (by comparison) little critters we encountered, and it would have been relatively easy to capture them alive.
When I look at this photo, it seems a shame that such a magnificent specimen was killed -- it was probably more than twenty years old -- but I have to admit that I can't imagine how the average person would go about capturing a 100 pound rattlesnake that's longer than a Harley Davidson SuperGlide. At least with a runway model, you have the ability to lure her into a cage with cheesecake.
Technorati tag: Rattlesnake
You know, I don't even mind snakes.
But I'd mind that one.
It's make a nice hat band, though.
Or purse. Or full set of suitcases. Or enough boots for half of Texas. Something like that.
Posted by: Julie at November 7, 2005 01:29 PMJeff, I'll take your word on the relative aggressiveness of the sub-species. Rattlesnakes as a whole tend to be on the assertive end of the spectrum; that's one reason you never see "snake charmers" using them in place of the much more docile -- and slower -- cobras.
Julie, I'm with you on this one...I'd generally rather encounter any kind of snake than any kind of spider, for instance. I find the idea of a 9' rattler fascinating, but it's the kind of "observe from a VERY safe distance" kind of fascinating.
Posted by: Eric at November 7, 2005 02:30 PMGee, I didn't get nearly as many "kinds" into that last sentence as I had intended. ;-)
Posted by: Eric at November 7, 2005 02:31 PM"Not Board Certified....."
Oh, wait. This isn't a caption contest, is it?
Posted by: Natalie at November 7, 2005 04:37 PMHeh. This would have made a good caption contest photo, wouldn't it?
Posted by: Eric at November 7, 2005 05:18 PM"Happy anniversary, honey."
Posted by: Vaughn at November 8, 2005 08:36 AMIf I ever came across a snake that big, I believe I'd faint. Do they have those at McKittrick Canyon? Please say no.
Posted by: other julie at November 8, 2005 11:50 AMJulie, I can say with absolute authority and assurance that there probably aren't any rattlesnakes like this at McKittrick Canyon. Possibly. ;-)
Actually, we've never seen a snake of any kind in all of our trips to Guadalupe. If you're going to see the leaf colors, it's late enough in the season that if there are any snakes (and, really, I'm sure there are...) they're not active.
And they're certainly not 9' long!
Posted by: Eric at November 8, 2005 12:02 PMI live about 50 miles from this site. I am not surprise at what might be found around that location. One of my sons have worked in the plant several times.
ONE SHOULD ALWAYS BE ON THE LOOK OUT
Bob, I suppose there are very few places in Texas where one shouldn't be on the lookout for snakes...but this one certainly will put you on notice to be extra careful!
Posted by: Eric at November 14, 2005 07:25 PMI would think that if the snake weighed as much as it is claimed, that dude wouldn't be able to hold it up the way he is. It may be 6ft. long, but no way is it 9ft. It's just the camera angle.
Posted by: Paul at November 16, 2005 01:20 PMI agree with Paul, I think the snake is just in the foreground and the camera angle makes it look that big. He doesn't really look like he is holding 97 lbs. Try holding 97 lbs. on a stick that far away from your body and you will not look as relaxed and at ease as he does in the picture, unless of course you are a weight lifter or incredibly strong.
Posted by: Rich at November 17, 2005 07:27 AMAbout the publisher
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Eric, no matter what variety or species it might be, there is NO way I want to encounter a snake that big !!!
Based on my own experience, and the recollections of others, I give the Mojave (or Mojave Green) rattlesnake a small edge on aggressiveness, over the Western. The Mojave certainly has a BIG edge on the venom scale (neurotoxin variety).
But I've never head of a Mojave getting anywhere close to the stat's you posted for the snake in that photo ... call Harry Potter and see if a basilisk is missing from Hogwarts!
Posted by: Jeff at November 7, 2005 11:49 AM