I was walking from the fairgrounds with my daughter and as we approached the bridge heading towards main st...we smelled something rotten and leaned over to see what it could be. Up ahead where we were about to walk..was a large coiled rattlesnake. Wanted to let everyone know to be careful when crossing that bridge, apparently the snakes like to sun themselves on the other side of the sidewalk.

Call the Police so they can dispose of it or relocate it way out in the country.

I can call them, but it left the area and went back down by the river after it noticed us. Just wanted people to be aware that snakes are out there and that they like the heat from that bridge. Saw a rattlesnake on the other side of the same bridge last year.

I heard of a den of rattlesnakes over by the art center last year, and my husband killed a rattlesnake by the Bullis-Graves Cremation with fourteen buttons. Rattlesnakes are around the area outside of town and I just think people enjoying their walks out there need to be alert.

[This message has been edited by Diane Emeney (5/23/2010)]

On that note..did everyone *except me!* know there is a rattlesnake bite vaccine for dogs? Sounds like a good idea!

I'd heard about those, but don't know if they really work or not. Was thinking of getting one for my dogs. It's worth a shot.

I had a friend that had her dog get the shot and it ended up saving his life...If you don't get the shot, the medicine to help them after they are bitten is EXTREMELY expensive...Had a cat bitten and the vet said the drug started at $1000.00 to help her and that there was no guarantee that it would help her...Thankfully she was a tough cat and the bite didn't get her full force and she managed to pull through it...

Guess we just learned that the old cat wasn't worth $1000.


FH

My friend's horse got bit the other day and has to have daily shots for a week. I can't imagine the cost for that, or what a bite could do to a much smaller animal. But one shot before a bite has got to be much cheaper than 7 shots after.

BTW, thanks for the heads-up that they're already out.

the old cat is worth much more but what she is worth vs what the balance is in the checking account is quite different...My medical bills sadly have to come first...Cheers back at ya Frank

I know, I know.

Don't bother writing out that PETA membership check then.


FH

Oh I won't Frank, never worry about that....I am not a big fan of PETA as they take things a tad overboard IMO...

Just bumping this back up so any walkers out there will know to be careful when walking on the outskirts of town

It is always wise to remember this is rattlesnake (and skunk!) country and you are more likely to encounter them in the spring. So, caution is always advised.

Yup, it's definitely spring. When I think of all the people that walk that bridge, with their dogs and their children..it scares me a bit to think they might not be watching for snakes. The one I saw was right on the other side of the railing.