Just want to add a little more info on rattlers. I know that alot of people hate snakes but I feel they serve a purpose in our wildnerness. A rattler will always use his camoflage as his first dfense to avoid detection. Radio studies on the Eastern Massauga rattler in Ontario have shown hikers to walk within feet of rattlers on the edges of trails without provoking an attack or a warning rattle. That's what the rattling sound is a warning, and I guess most logical people would back off and take heed to that warning. I know I would. Secondly snake attacks are provoked by not watching where you are stepping. In venomous snake country keep an open eye. Don't hop over a fence without taking a look on the other side or jump over a log. If someone almosts stepped on me without a warning I'd naturally defend myself too from being surprised and startled. Also I guess be extra careful where you set up, unless you have a pair of snakeproof underwear to protect your hind quarters.