Snakes on the Plains

INDIANOLA, Neb. — I have quite a few rattlesnake episodes from over the years to tell.  Most folks that don’t spend a lot of time in our local pastures probably don’t realize just how many venomous snakes we have around here.  If one has seen the pain inflicted on cattle, horses, dogs, and cats, they would understand why I make a point to dispatch them if I have a safe opportunity.  

One such experience was when our dog was raising Cain outside our door, and I stepped out to see what the matter was. I first walked to my left, then as I was coming back towards the door, a rattlesnake was coiled and struck one of our kittens in the front leg.  I called the vet ASAP and gave the animal some quick shots but not soon enough to save her.

I eventually grabbed a spade and walked around the house looking for the killer.  I could hear it under our deck but not in a place where I could safely get to it. 

Periodically I would walk around to see if I could find it.  I met the school bus and made the kids stay in the house that afternoon.  There was a football game that evening and as we were driving out, the snake was crossing the driveway, so I bailed out and grabbed the shovel and we didn’t have to worry about him again.

In another instance, Skyler and I were spraying thistle south of McCook and we saw a rattler start to crawl in a small hole.  I jumped out of the Ranger and stepped on its back half.  I had a small pocketknife and cut off its rattle which Farmer Tom told me later wasn’t too bright as it could more easily surprise someone else.  Come to find out the daughter had been thinking how she was going to get me to the hospital if I were to get bitten!

On another occasion, I had the four-wheeler and my toy poodle with me checking cows.  I saw a rattler by a hole and as I grabbed my shovel, the dog jumped off to try to get the snake.   I ended up grabbing the dog and the snake got away.

Once there were three of us on horseback when I saw a snake head into a deep cow path.  The fella with us shoved a big stick in the hole and she came out the other side of the path.  It ended up having a dozen babies that we had to dispatch as well.

I was sighting in my rifle and decided to walk back and forth a hundred yards.  I kept hearing a hissing noise and thought there must be a cat around.  After several trips, I finally saw the snake and had to find a post quickly.  Not sure how many times he could have bitten me. 

One Fall, the dog and I were walking across a wheat stubble field when a snake struck her.  I did have a pistol with me that day, but in my excitement, I couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn!  I had to find a weapon and as I ran back the snake had moved.  It’s hard to believe how well they blend in with their terrain.  Posts can be the better weapon of choice. 

I’ve had luck on my side in these instances so follow my story next week to read the conclusion of Rattler Adventures!

Have a Good One!