Juvenile Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Austin, TX 101008

While watching a U.T. football game, I received a call from John V., in far west Austin. His wife had found a snake near their front door and wanted to know if it was dangerous. As John described it, I began to sense the snake was a western diamond-back rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox). I asked a few confirmatory questions, had him send me a photo via e-mail to make sure, and was soon out the door to pick the specimen up. This little fellow is about 18 inches long, and is quite aggressive. Juveniles like this are often more dangerous than mature snakes, as their venom is more concentrated and they are more likely to use it defensively. I will be taking additional photographs to post here as time goes on. John and his wife live in a subdivision near Mount Bonnell, where a variety of snakes, including rattlesnakes like this one, abound. John's wife asked what they should do to prevent more such encounters. The best thing, in such a locale, is to keep a good supply of snake repellent around, and apply it generously to the perimeter of one's property and the perimeter of one's home, and then replenish the repellent on a regular basis. Just keep in mind that repellent isn't 100% effective, so always watch your step in snake country to avoid stepping on or too near a venomous serpent.

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