Author Topic: I just killed a Rattlesnake! (Read 5235 times)

Matthew · « **on:** April 11, 2011, 12:26:29 PM »

Just killed a rattlesnake. I saw a full-grown rattler winding his way across the yard to our house. I hit him on the head with a shovel, he started rattling his tail, and he was knocked out for a few minutes. Then he got going again.

I went out again, this time with a metal rake, and hit him good once (with the points toward the ground, of course!) While he was stunned, I sprinkled him with lighter fluid -- emphasis on the head -- and lit a match. He roasted for a good minute or so. Seems to have done the trick! Pics later today.

Matthew · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2011, 01:00:33 PM »

I didn't record a video of the event, but the audio can be found here!

Here is a picture:

ServusSpiritusSancti · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2011, 01:25:46 PM »

Yikes! I hate snakes. Good thing you successfully killed it.

Trinity · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2011, 01:56:56 PM »

I've only seen one rattler killed. It was a head shot. Later I was told that the reason for this is that snakes literally bite the bullet. Impressive speed.

Emerentiana · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2011, 03:47:18 PM »

Hi Trinity! :dancing:

Elizabeth · « **Reply #5 on:** April 11, 2011, 03:49:44 PM »

:shocked:

Way to go! Keep an eye out for her babies!

:shocked:

ora pro me · « **Reply #6 on:** April 11, 2011, 03:56:54 PM »

Wow. Good job, Matthew! So, this

didn't work as well as this :farmer:

This would be a good time to make sure you have an anti-venom kit handy.

Blessed be to God, His Mohter and the angels and saints that no one was hurt.

MyrnaM · « **Reply #7 on:** April 11, 2011, 03:58:40 PM »

What a day you are having!

Matthew · « **Reply #8 on:** April 11, 2011, 04:03:59 PM »

Yeah, I'm glad that there is one less male to make the local rattlesnake females fruitful OR one less female rattlesnake to have babies.

Either way, it's a big win for my immediate neighborhood.

I wonder where it lived and what it ate. It must have eaten a ton of rabbits and/or field mice. I guess we'll have more of those around now?

Telesphorus · « **Reply #9 on:** April 11, 2011, 04:06:52 PM »

Might it not be better to use a .22 rifle and keep your distance?

Exilenomore · « **Reply #10 on:** April 11, 2011, 04:07:18 PM »

Threads like these make me glad that I live in a snakefree area.

Jitpring · « **Reply #11 on:** April 11, 2011, 04:59:11 PM »

Quote from: Telesphorus

Might it not be better to use a .22 rifle and keep your distance?

That's what my uncle did once. Then he cut off its head.

momofmany · « **Reply #12 on:** April 11, 2011, 05:12:56 PM »

Quote from: Matthew

Just killed a rattler snake. I saw a full-grown rattler winding his way across the yard to our house. I hit him on the head with a shovel, he started rattling his tail, and he was knocked out for a few minutes. Then he got going again.

I went out again, this time with a metal rake, and hit him good once (with the points toward the ground, of course!) While he was stunned, I sprinkled him with lighter fluid -- emphasis on the head -- and lit a match. He roasted for a good minute or so. Seems to have done the trick! Pics later today.

This is why our next firearm purchase will be a shotgun.
I am not one to go after snakes with rakes.

Dh usually takes the ones here out with a rake and if they are on the driveway? The car. Snakes pop when you run them over with VW Beetles. :dancing-banana:

We have only had a few copperheads, no rattlers and a couple non-venomous snakes like Coachwhips and rat snakes.
The feral cats help keep down the snakes.
If you don't have any feral or outdoor cats, Matthew, you might want to think about getting a couple. They do help with snakes and scorpions.

Catholic Samurai · « **Reply #13 on:** April 11, 2011, 06:04:13 PM »

I use a 24 inch machete and a hoe when dealing with snakes. A few times I've had to do without the luxury of the hoe though.

momofmany · « **Reply #14 on:** April 11, 2011, 06:07:05 PM »

We have a .22 but I'd have to get closer than I'd like to ensure a good head shot with such a small caliber.

I killed a coral snake with a Rubbermaid bin once though. :boxer: