Shake, Rattler and Roll

It was almost right on cue, a little over a year since I reported seeing a rattler on Eagle Trail near Boulder, and in almost exactly the same location. In fact, today on my long run I was keeping my eye out, but it still surprised me. The hissing when I went past caught my attention. I circled back, careful to stay on the other side of the trail. There it was, just off the trail, watching me closely. I stood and watched it for a minute or two, but it didn't move, just watched me back.

The rattlers seem to stay just off the main trail -- out of the way of the fairly heavy foot/bike/dog/horse traffic, but close enough to at least startle anyone near the edge (where I often tend to run).

As I ran off, I came upon three women on horses heading towards the snake. I warned them to control their horses. Lots of folks also let their dogs run off leash in that area. I hope that they and their dogs are prepared for an unexpected encounter with a territorial rattlesnake!