Consider The Courteous Rattlesnake

About this episode

This episode discusses the relationship between humans and rattlesnakes, featuring insights from expert Roy Arthur Blodgett.

Humans have evolved alongside snakes since our earliest existence. From then to Eve’s story and countless myths, snakes have created mystery, fear and folklore within our minds. Now in this modern age equipped with the latest scientific data about rattlesnakes, our awareness is changing towards a more peaceful co-existence. Rattlesnakes bite primarily to capture their main meals, small animals like rodents, rabbits and frogs. It is believed that millions of years ago, the ground-dwelling rattlesnake evolved their natural rattle to avoid being stepped on by heavy hooved animals. Could we consider their warning “Don’t tread on me!” - a courtesy? In this episode of Critter Chat , we talk with Roy Arthur Blodgett, program manager of the Venomous Snake Training courses at Save the Snakes. Roy is also the Poet Laureate of Lake County, and in our interview he eloquently shares facts and poetry about the rattlesnake found in the Sierra Nevada, the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, and in general, the nine species of rattlesnakes found in California. Hear some life-saving tips on how to detect rattlesnakes, and what to do in the unusual case of being bitten and perspectives on aversion…

People in this episode

Host: Critter Chat

Guest: Roy Arthur Blodgett

Topics covered

• rattlesnakes
• human-animal coexistence
• snake folklore
• venomous snakes
• safety tips
• education

Keywords

• rattlesnake
• venom
• anti-venom
• pit viper
• snake safety
• California snakes
• folklore
• aversion training

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Save the Snakes

Places: Sierra Nevada, California, Lake County

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