Snakes are beautiful creatures and they certainly serve their purpose on God's awesome Creation... but, like so many others, I do not take any chances when I find them too close to my house or my family... especially since my neighbor's wife was bitten by a copperhead just a few years ago (also in August) while walking along her walkway and too near to the azaleas bushes where that particular copperhead was located just out of sight. It took her almost a year to get fully recovered from the necrosis, subsequent infection, muscle and nerve problems that she suffered from the bite, because of her advanced age and already compromised state of health. It can happen before you realize it.

Case in point: I encountered a grown copperhead while walking to my shelter (where I keep the boat parked) one night (earlier this month) laying right in my driveway in the same pathway I was walking. Luckily I have a security light on a pole close by that fairly illuminates the area; I have always been in the habit of perusing the ground cautiously wherever I am walking... especially in the summer months; and that I was able to stop myself before finishing the step that would have placed my foot and lower leg well within striking range. There is no doubt in my mind that I would have been bitten.

I have also eaten rattlesnake and found it to be very good eatin'.

Thanks for your post. It should also serve as a valuable reminder that August and September are two of the most dangerous months for having an unexpected encounter with a venomous snake.