We discovered this fella under the steps to our little shack on Casper Mountain.
The Shack has a Rattler!
Actually, my wife discovered it! Roundabout early evening, she headed across the meadow to the shack to grab an extra water bowl for the dogs, hot as it has been. She started up the steps, heard a rattle, took a moment to rationalise what it was, and hurried up the rest of the steps and onto the porch. Then she screamed. I came a'runnin', just able to hear the last of the angry rattle sink deeper under the shack. My wife was petrified. Unable to see where it was hiding, I threw a log by the steps and received no protest; so, I encouraged her to run back down. She collected her wits, somehow remembered the water bowl, and scurried off the porch and down the steps. We left the snake alone for the rest of the evening, both agape at how close she came to danger.
The next morning, I went to fetch some items myself from the shack. I took a shovel and approached slowly. I banged the spade on the rocks and then on the steps and then even on the wall of the shack itself. Nothing. Not a sound. So, I figured the rattler had moved on. One foot on the first step, and the rattle erupted! I leapt back, just glimpsing the viper right underneath me and the wooden step. What an alarming shot of fright! I retreated a ways and stood absolutely fascinated as the snake slithered from under the step to a spot deeper beneath the shack. I kept my eyes on it and called my wife over with her camera. I am not ashamed to admit I was still shaking as I snapped some photographs.
Now to investigate mitigation strategies of this potentially venomous issue. We'll clear the building materials from under the shack, eliminate as many hiding places as possible, cut the bracken further back, and stop up any holes in the outer walls. We also realise we need a second point of entry and exit for the shack, if only for safety's sake.
Of course, that's all AFTER the viper is gone. Until then, at least we won't have any rodent troubles.
