went hiking in Griffith Park today (just like every day) with my two dogs. well, it was hot out so i started hiking next to the creek where its shaded. i stopped at one section to enjoy the scenery and let the dogs run around and the next thing i know i hear a loud buzzing noise like a bush full of those large bugs that make noise. at first i think nothing of it because it sounded just like those loud bugs. so as i'm looking around i see a rattlesnake right next to my left foot coiled up and looking really pissed. it was litterally 6 inches from my foot. since i was hiking along a creek bed with about an 8ft. ledge i jumped onto the side of the ledge and scrambled sideways to move away and get back up on the trail. by the way, one of my dogs was in front of me on the trail so he was okay but the other one was directly behind me and was now looking curiously at the snake. so i yelled at him and threw a stick so he'd go back the other way. well, unfortunately he didn't go back but ran after me right by the snake. but nothing happened. i grabbed both of them and ran the other way as fast as i could. it scared the crap out of me and i know i'm extremely lucky. but i just can't figure out why he didn't stike me or my dog. my friend said its because he probably just ate but whatever the reason i just thank god nothing happened. my questions are: does anyone know of a good dog training course to make them afraid of snakes?
and even though i'm always vigilant about looking out for snakes would it be wise to use a walking stick? and lastly, the rattlesnake was about 2 1/2 ft. long or more, reddish with white stripes and rattling very loudly. based on that limited description does anyone know if this species was poisonous? i know not all rattlers, even though they all strike, are poisonous. thanks for any good info and suggestions.
tygger
and even though i'm always vigilant about looking out for snakes would it be wise to use a walking stick? and lastly, the rattlesnake was about 2 1/2 ft. long or more, reddish with white stripes and rattling very loudly. based on that limited description does anyone know if this species was poisonous? i know not all rattlers, even though they all strike, are poisonous. thanks for any good info and suggestions.
tygger