> I haven't read JD's post but maybe as a small bit of reassurance, I = > understand his snake confrontation happened near to his house. = > Households attract varmits, and varmits attract snakes. I think the = > likelihood of seeing a snake at a house in a fairly remote area like his = > is more likely than seeing one at a place like Cherry Road for example. = > But it's always necessary to be aware at any rate. That's not what the rattlers in the Phx mountain preserve think! I've been rattled at a few times hiking along the trails. Being prepared is not a bad idea.... Thad