Wildlife! Rattlesnake

Most animals, when not fleeing in terror, behave as if they're curious. The few snakes I've met lying in the road had proprietary airs. This one was eminently polite in that it was, as I became aware of it, moving away.

It raised its head to ensure a clear view of the triangular shape and it gave forth with one, little "click" of its tail, lest there be any doubt. But the impression was of benign consideration...more, perhaps for my bumbling and its potential for injury than any concern for *my* welfare, but no hint, at least as far as I could tell, of aggression.

Anthropomorphizing has been looked down upon by the western mind of Greek origin, but of late, as occurred with olde-timey religions, people are drifting away from that sterile, emotionless world and appreciating that we, as members of the animal kingdom (and perhaps even innanimate  things too) have similar emotions as the rest of the menangerie prompting me to surmise that, at least for some, their fear has been engendered by our self-centered disregard...rather than anything innate.

My call to the camerawoman was urgent and  seemingly sensing the shift, it began assuming a defensive curl in amongst the sage. I felt bad for inspiring any sense of trepidation as my enthusiasm around this shy creature was fueled by the rarity of encounters with wildlife. But I empathised: the evening before, a couple (of humans) had come barging into camp without even a hint of concern for their affect. And while pleasant on a superficial level, the lingering "feel" after they'd gone was of their self-centered and blatant disregard.

I did not want to leave this person with that feeling.

Rattlers

The third in as many weeks. It must be all the rain.

The first was on the road to the Barker Wilderness. It had eight, count 'em, rattles and when encouraged to move from the road, it took umbrage. I gave up when it showed it was NOT gonna leave and furthermore what WAS it with the dead leaves on the end of the limb?

The second, like the 1st, was languidly ensconced, full length in the middle of the road. After remonstrating around its peril and getting nought but a gimlet eye, I left. I heard it mutter, "Don't let the door hit yuh, budzo."

This one understood but made it clear that it would not be hurried; I got back in the car.

Wildlife!!

I was crouched down trying to get a closeup of a flower when I heard that distinctive buzz. I looked over to see Smith backing away as a good-sized rattlesnake flowed forth from it's lair.

It was ready for battle and quickly assumed the position. I, in my most authoritative outdoor voice, told Smith, "NO!" She, of course, ignored me.

Apparently she got the gist of its intent and began walking away. As she stepped on a curved stick it twanged up. With lightening speed she gave it a good whack...just in case someone was watching and thought she was intimidated. This coulda been you buster!!

It's been over 35 years since I encountered a rattler. We've been a bit more cautious since; almost a Zen-like influence, but it was encouraging...where there're snakes, there are mice, raptors, foxes, and other animals, many of which have disappeared in the name of range management. This gave me a bit of hope....they haven't ALL been killed off.