Big Rattler From The Southern Woods...

**hogdogs** · January 14, 2013, 12:14 AM

How about this big ol' diamond back... He is 8 1/2' according to the story with it... I don't think they get much bigger than that...

Reckon you would hear that rattle???
I am guessing the fangs could be an inch or more in length and the venom gland could hold grams rather than milligrams of juice...

Brent

CharlieDeltaJuliet · January 14, 2013, 01:13 AM

Jeez, that almost made me **** my pants just seeing the photo.... I hate snakes... It wouldn't have to bite me, I'd have a heartattack from stumbling upon that one...

jmortimer · January 14, 2013, 01:17 AM

I would check Snopes on this one - made the rounds before.

shortwave · January 14, 2013, 01:39 AM

Have seen some big ones on Brahma Island on Lake Kissimmee but nothing near that big.

The head on that feller is as wide as the guys lower leg that is holding him.

Water-Man · January 14, 2013, 01:42 AM

I'd have to see it to believe it.

MKayser · January 14, 2013, 02:10 AM

Looks pretty darn big when holding it 4' closer to the camera than he is.

Chinny33 · January 14, 2013, 02:12 AM

dont tread on THAT guy

jmortimer · January 14, 2013, 02:30 AM

I would check Snopes on this one - made the rounds before.

FrankenMauser · January 14, 2013, 02:52 AM

Looks like forced perspective, to me.....

aircorpnut · January 14, 2013, 03:26 AM

i killed this 6 footer about 25 yrs ago when i lived in fl. it was big enough that i didnt care to find another one...

jimbob86 · January 14, 2013, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Looks like forced perspective, to me.....

Yep...he's holding the snake out toward the camera on a two foot stick, so the snake is twice as close to the camera as the guy holding it.

aircorpnut's pic allows for a fairly accurate guess ...... provided the guy holsing the sanke is not 5' tall.

**hogdogs** · January 14, 2013, 09:55 AM

While it may not be a full 8 1/2'... It is way more than a 6 footer... I am fortunate enuff to have handled many diamond backs from nearly new born (thought it was a pygmy at first thought) to 6 plus... One thing you can use for perspective is the guy's hands... they are pretty close to the snake... How do I know??? These big slobs are HEAVY so strength of nad and the stick holding it are required...

Count the diamonds... They may not show age but there are a snot load of them... Now look how many lesser defined diamonds on the aft section.... A bunch there too... Note the LARGE LONG black "button" section at the rattles... See how fat it is compared to the rattle??? NOW... Take note of the prize winning buzzer on the thing....

Aircorp nut has a nice 6 footer... I counted 15 defined diamonds from tail to shovel... Now from neck section on the one i posted, I skipped 3 or 4 diamonds at head then counted 15... You oughta try it... It is enlightening... There is 18-24 more inches of VERY FAT tail with the lighter coloration

...

It may only be 7 feet long... Who wants to measure one that big while alive???

Here is a little one compared to the 2 already posted here...

While a respectable buzz tail, it is just a teenager compared to those...

Brent

Scorch · January 14, 2013, 01:08 PM

Even if it is 3 or 4 feet closer to the lens than the guy is, that is a monster rattler! Look at the size of the head compared to the body, and how fat the whole body is. My dad used to live in east Texas, and he had a 6 footer's skin nailed on the wall of the garage. It was a full 12"+ wide in the middle. Not for the faint of heart!!

jmr40 · January 14, 2013, 02:40 PM

That is a small guy, based on where he stands in relation to the truck, and holding the snake as he is may make it appear bigger. But make no mistake, that is a big snake.

Hogeman · January 14, 2013, 03:14 PM

He is large and I sure wouldn't want him near me alive. There shouldn't be any mistake hearing that rattle.

huntinaz · January 14, 2013, 04:41 PM

We killed a big one in Tucson a few year ago, if I remember correctly it was right at 5 foot. It was a big snake, for sure. A jogger had run the road a minute or two before we killed it, I wonder if she ever even saw it. It was in the ditch, she must have run pretty close to it. Snakes don't bother me all that much, but the sight of that one made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

warbirdlover · January 14, 2013, 05:04 PM

Friend of mine was a snake hunter when I lived in NC and hunted by my house (Hendersonville area). We were playing with this one.

warbirdlover · January 14, 2013, 05:08 PM

Some more pics. He had pics (I've got them somewhere) of some that rival that one in the first pic. Mostly caught in the Everglades in Florida.

Double Naught Spy · January 14, 2013, 05:17 PM

At 8.5 feet and being and Eastern Diamondback, that would be a record length snake by 6".
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology...adamanteus.htm
http://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/yr2010/oc...4_rattler.html

warbirdlover · January 14, 2013, 05:53 PM

I don't think they keep accurate records. I've seen newspaper clippings my friend had where they were easily 9 feet and huge. I'm still digging trying to find those.

Double Naught Spy · January 14, 2013, 07:40 PM

Um yeah, they (wildlife and fisheries folks) keep accurate records of what is reported and verified. There were accounts in 2009 of a 15' rattler as well, but turned out to be a little over 7 feet. Somebody used forced perspective and inflated the claims.
http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/15ftrattler.asp

Unverified claims are just that, unverified.

Of course, maybe you mean this guy...
http://snugglynoodles.com/wordpress/...k-rattlesnake/
http://www.herpsofarkansas.com/forum...esnake-killed/

First, it is a different species. Second, you have forced perspective. It isn't 9'1" long. It also isn't 96 or 97 lbs.

jmortimer · January 14, 2013, 09:09 PM

^ Thank you, I just did not feel like doing the leg work, just a lonely voice until now.

Moby · January 14, 2013, 09:17 PM

I've eatten rattler in the mountains.
Pretty good stuff with garlic and onion

rickyrick · January 14, 2013, 09:32 PM

Good thing that they aren't dangerous,

Kreyzhorse · January 14, 2013, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Looks pretty darn big when holding it 4' closer to the camera than he is

+1. However, if it is only half as big in real life, I never want to stumble across one. I hate snakes.

January 14, 2013, 01:13 AM	#2
CharlieDeltaJuliet Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2012 Posts: 421	Jeez, that almost made me **** my pants just seeing the photo.... I hate snakes... It wouldn't have to bite me, I'd have a heartattack from stumbling upon that one... __________________ " The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government...." - Thomas Jefferson

January 14, 2013, 01:42 AM	#5
Water-Man Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: N. Georgia & S. Florida Posts: 1,217	I'd have to see it to believe it. __________________ PROUD TO BE A VETERAN " The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates

January 14, 2013, 02:12 AM	#7
Chinny33 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 225	dont tread on THAT guy __________________ PLAN PLAN PLAN A prudent man forsees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished Proverbs 27:12

January 14, 2013, 02:52 AM	#9
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2008 Location: 1B ID Posts: 5,398	Looks like forced perspective, to me..... __________________ "Such is the strange way that man works -- first he virtually destroys a species and then does everything in his power to restore it."

January 14, 2013, 09:55 AM	#12
hogdogs Staff Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 10,689	While it may not be a full 8 1/2'... It is way more than a 6 footer... I am fortunate enuff to have handled many diamond backs from nearly new born (thought it was a pygmy at first thought) to 6 plus... One thing you can use for perspective is the guy's hands... they are pretty close to the snake... How do I know??? These big slobs are HEAVY so strength of nad and the stick holding it are required... Count the diamonds... They may not show age but there are a snot load of them... Now look how many lesser defined diamonds on the aft section.... A bunch there too... Note the LARGE LONG black "button" section at the rattles... See how fat it is compared to the rattle??? NOW... Take note of the prize winning buzzer on the thing.... Aircorp nut has a nice 6 footer... I counted 15 defined diamonds from tail to shovel... Now from neck section on the one i posted, I skipped 3 or 4 diamonds at head then counted 15... You oughta try it... It is enlightening... There is 18-24 more inches of VERY FAT tail with the lighter coloration... It may only be 7 feet long... Who wants to measure one that big while alive??? Here is a little one compared to the 2 already posted here... While a respectable buzz tail, it is just a teenager compared to those... Brent __________________ Finally have designs going up in the Hogdogs Outdoor Apparel online store. http://www.cafepress.com/hogdogsoutdoorapparel Thanks for lookin'...

January 14, 2013, 01:17 AM	#3
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,765	I would check Snopes on this one - made the rounds before.

January 14, 2013, 01:39 AM	#4
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,006	Have seen some big ones on Brahma Island on Lake Kissimmee but nothing near that big. The head on that feller is as wide as the guys lower leg that is holding him.

January 14, 2013, 02:10 AM	#6
MKayser Junior Member Join Date: January 5, 2013 Posts: 2	Looks pretty darn big when holding it 4' closer to the camera than he is.

January 14, 2013, 02:30 AM	#8
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,765	I would check Snopes on this one - made the rounds before.

January 14, 2013, 03:26 AM	#10
aircorpnut Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Posts: 16	i killed this 6 footer about 25 yrs ago when i lived in fl. it was big enough that i didnt care to find another one...

January 14, 2013, 01:08 PM	#13
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 11,032	Even if it is 3 or 4 feet closer to the lens than the guy is, that is a monster rattler! Look at the size of the head compared to the body, and how fat the whole body is. My dad used to live in east Texas, and he had a 6 footer's skin nailed on the wall of the garage. It was a full 12"+ wide in the middle. Not for the faint of heart!! __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Taylor Machine

January 14, 2013, 02:40 PM	#14
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 4,483	That is a small guy, based on where he stands in relation to the truck, and holding the snake as he is may make it appear bigger. But make no mistake, that is a big snake.

January 14, 2013, 03:14 PM	#15
Hogeman Member Join Date: December 1, 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 27	He is large and I sure wouldn't want him near me alive. There shouldn't be any mistake hearing that rattle.

January 14, 2013, 04:41 PM	#16
huntinaz Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2010 Location: az Posts: 862	We killed a big one in Tucson a few year ago, if I remember correctly it was right at 5 foot. It was a big snake, for sure. A jogger had run the road a minute or two before we killed it, I wonder if she ever even saw it. It was in the ditch, she must have run pretty close to it. Snakes don't bother me all that much, but the sight of that one made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. __________________ Wanted: 50 Beowulf Brass, .500 cal bullets "Once you quit hearing sir and ma'am, the rest is soon to follow." - Cormack McCarthy "I'm just an average Joe, although I did score 4 touchdowns in one game..."-Al Bundy

January 14, 2013, 05:17 PM	#19
Double Naught Spy Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2001 Location: Forestburg, Montague County, Texas Posts: 9,732	At 8.5 feet and being and Eastern Diamondback, that would be a record length snake by 6". http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology...adamanteus.htm http://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/yr2010/oc...4_rattler.html __________________ "If you look through your scope and see your shoe, aim higher." -- said to me by my 11 year old daughter before going out for hogs 8/13/2011

January 14, 2013, 05:53 PM	#20
warbirdlover Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2009 Location: central Wisconsin Posts: 2,322	I don't think they keep accurate records. I've seen newspaper clippings my friend had where they were easily 9 feet and huge. I'm still digging trying to find those.

January 14, 2013, 07:40 PM	#21
Double Naught Spy Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2001 Location: Forestburg, Montague County, Texas Posts: 9,732	Um yeah, they (wildlife and fisheries folks) keep accurate records of what is reported and verified. There were accounts in 2009 of a 15' rattler as well, but turned out to be a little over 7 feet. Somebody used forced perspective and inflated the claims. http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/15ftrattler.asp Unverified claims are just that, unverified. Of course, maybe you mean this guy... http://snugglynoodles.com/wordpress/...k-rattlesnake/ http://www.herpsofarkansas.com/forum...esnake-killed/ First, it is a different species. Second, you have forced perspective. It isn't 9'1" long. It also isn't 96 or 97 lbs. __________________ "If you look through your scope and see your shoe, aim higher." -- said to me by my 11 year old daughter before going out for hogs 8/13/2011 Last edited by Double Naught Spy; January 14, 2013 at 07:46 PM.

January 14, 2013, 09:09 PM	#22
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,765	^ Thank you, I just did not feel like doing the leg work, just a lonely voice until now.

January 14, 2013, 09:17 PM	#23
Moby Member Join Date: November 11, 2012 Posts: 86	I've eatten rattler in the mountains. Pretty good stuff with garlic and onion __________________ “A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.” ~George Washington US Coast Guard 76-86 Semper Paratus

January 14, 2013, 09:32 PM	#24
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Location: Mesquite Jungle Desert, West Texas, USA Posts: 2,278	Good thing that they aren't dangerous, __________________ *Navin R. Johnson*: "He hates these cans!!!! Stay away from the cans!!!!"