Also (definitely not advised), one time up in interior BC when I was just a kid trying to catch garters, I saw a tail disappearing into a bush. Well, completely unawares that we even had rattlesnakes in BC, I grabbed it by the tail. It was maybe about a foot long or so. Luckily, my best friend spotted the head just as I grabbed it and yelled at me to drop it and I did. It darted away and we were fortunately unharmed. Definitely the most exciting field herping experience I've ever had.

I'm sure your experience was even more exciting. Your niece probably thinks the world of you now, if she didn't already before. Job well done!