I have a rule. If I am going to be in that area, as in for the day, or many times in the near future, I will kill the snake. Only the poisonous ones. For instance, if I show up to an area to let's say prospect for the day, and I see a snake, then I will kill it. My philosophy is that the snake you let go now will hit you later on. Usually, I have kids with me, or am distracted with the task at hand, and can't take the chance. For instance, on Sat, I was hauling gear to the truck. I had a good half dozen trips to make. So, I have to pass on the trail twelve times. On the first one, there is a rattler in the trail. Now, knowing that I have to pass that snake that many times, I am going to kill it. Am I on his territory? Yes. Am I going to take the chance that he gets irritated and hits me one of the twelve times I have to walk by, no way, jose. Am I going to pull over on the interstate to kill a snake? no. Have I seen many that I only admired, absolutely. Up until recently, I had two boas in my house. I have a lot of respect and awe for them, but I have more respect for the awesome power that they have. Last time I took my daughter out, and really, every time I take one of the kids into the desert, we have the snake conversation before we arrive. If safe, I will pull over on the road to show them live and dead ones so they know what to look for. You have to remember that we have rattlers here that are territorital as well. They will actually chase you out of their territory. Not arguing with you, just letting you know how I feel about them.
