Sorry I couldn't edit to add to my above post. We are all aware that these animals exist, and they've been here for thousands of years. Folks just need to be aware of their surroundings and pay attention, as these snakes don't go seeking out people to strike.....it's usually always out of defense. Venemous or not, they all serve a purpose, one of those being rat control as I mentioned already. I happen to keep non-venomous snakes as a hobby/passion aside from my dogs. They are not the demons that people make them out to be. Same concept as alligators. Here's a shot of a group of kids including one of mine handling some big bad monsters, lol (non venomous of course).
I understand and sympathize with those that get bit. It is very unfortunate, but as I said, 9 times out of 10, it's an accident due to the fact that someone stumbled upon one that they did not see there.....
They're all over our property around here. If I had one hanging out by my front doorstep that wouldn't leave, if I did not have the means to safely move the animal and release him somewhere back in the woods away from my house and dogs, I would dispatch one, sure. But do I blow the head off of any and every one I ever stumble upon out in nature? Absolutely not.
