Rattlesnakes always give me the creeps, especially when I realize that they could be nearby and I wouldn't notice them because of their camouflage markings. At the desert dome at the Henry Doorly Zoo.
Oh, man, the point of focus on this one is outstanding. I had to enlarge it to spot his eyes and he looks almost ready to pounce. At least nature provided us with a warning to one being close by. Of course, the babies don't have rattles (and their poison is just as deadly as the adult's) and sometimes the adults' rattles don;t rattle for a little while after molting. I don't like snakes either, Jeff, particularly these guys, but it's going on my monitor nonetheless... at least there'll be glass between him and me. ;oP
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EEEK = that is close. A super shot, quite amazing in fact..those eyes ! I live in a country with NO snakes. I don't think I could cope knowing there may be some lurking. I did hold a snake once in Singapore - surprisingly warm and surprisingly heavy.
My thanks to all who leave comments for my work and to those of you who like one enough to make it a favourite. To touch just one person that way makes each image worthwhile. . . . . . . . . .. . . . "The question is not what you look at, but what you see" ~ Marcel Proust