Are rattlesnakes becoming more dangerous?
Are wild hogs eating up all of the noisy rattlesnakes? Are the only rattlesnakes left alive those that keep quiet and, thus, hide from their porcine predators? Has this made the outdoor world a much more dangerous place? Does it mean that you're likely to stumble upon one of these silent, venomous creatures?
If you're a "the sky is falling; the sky is falling" sort of person, a tall tale about the prospects of a deadly outdoor encounter might just be your cup of tea.
Don't be fooled, however. From what I've been able to decipher, this scary scenario is just so much hogwash (pardon the pun!). There seems to be no credible scientific evidence that supports this oft-repeated story about how rattlesnake populations have become more inclined to let people approach within striking range.
I am not so foolish as to think I'm going to make you love snakes as much as I do. The vast majority of people abhor snakes, especially those that have a venom-laced bite. That being what it is, my goal remains to encourage you to venture outdoors so you might enjoy the natural world.
The perfect prescription might be for you to go on a nature hike in the cold-weather time of the year. All of the snakes are deep underground then. Snakes are forced into hibernation in order to escape the freezing temperatures.
Between now and the return of the spring season's balmy days, I'll have to do some serious brainstorming on how best to motivate you to love and appreciate the unjustly maligned and woefully misunderstood rattlesnake.
Or ... maybe not.