Hey all. For the vast majority of U.S. residents, we share our backyards with at least on species of venomous snake. Even if you live in the inner city, take a camping trip just about anywhere and you are in the territory of a rattlesnake, copperhead, cottonmouth, or coral snake, sometimes all four. Personally, I live in the rural northern California foothills, so rattlers are absolutely everywhere. Of course, nothing makes me happier than coming across one, from a safe distance of course. Sadly, the reaction most people have to spotting one is to get the shovel, a thought that saddens and sickens me. I fully understand that yes, this has the potential to be a dangerous animal, but I also fully believe that there is plenty of room for everyone. Because I can't change the attitudes of everyone, I have come to the conclusion that the best I can offer is to raise my children, someday when I have children, how to have a healthy respect for venomous snakes without having a fear of them.

So my question is, how have you all done that, or how do you plan to? How do you go about teaching a small child who has grown up with "nice" snakes in the house that there are some snakes outside that can make BIG booboos. This is an important lesson for kids to learn, especially kids who grow up in rural areas. I think those of us on this forum have a responsibility to raise a new generation with respect for all snakes, harmless or not. I have tried so hard to explain to people that rattlesnakes are great little hunters that are controlling the populations of all manner of rodents and you WANT them around. But when it comes to snakes, people really don't change well. You either have to be born with some unexplainable fascination, or raised with them and raised with a respect and appreciation for them as valuable creatures in any environment.

Share with me some of your thoughts on this subject, as well as some of your tactics in ensuring the safety of your children without compromising the life of a beautiful and valuable animal.