Was on a blackberry picking expedition, when I walked along the driver side of an old '69 Bird. It is one of three '69 parts cars, which I've been storing for a friend. I approached the car from the rear, and just as I passed by the rear window opening, I was startled by a loud rattle. Yes, it was the unmistakable sound of a big rattlesnake !
It was up on the sundeck, just under where the rear glass would have been. It was coiled, with head up--ready to strike. My right arm probably passed within 3 to 4 feet of it's head. Don't know if that was close enuff for a bite or not. As soon as I heard the sound, I just automatically jumped sideways, away from the snake. When a safe distance away, I turned around to look. It was still there, staring back at me, head raised, rattle shaking.
Well, that experience made me shake a little, when I realized how close I came to getting bit. During my berry pickin trips, I've been careful to look before I step. And, I was looking down as I walked by the Bird. But I was not expecting to encounter a snake that high off the ground.
Anyhow, I went back today and killed the snake. It measured just over 51 inches long, and has either 10 or 11 rattles and a button. After, I killed that one, I could hear some noise from somewhere down inside the trunk or back seat area. I figure the noise was probably made by a mate. Couldn't get the trunk lid open. I'll keep checkin on it, and try to get that one, if possible. I've heard they run pairs. Killed a pair at my sisters house, a couple of years back.
Pics won't upload for some reason.
May have to resize and post later.