i was handling western rattlers up at our property with my standard snake hook this weekend. i had moment of stupidity and picked up a baby behind the head. after about a minute of checking him out he decided he didnt like me and reached back and got me on the tip of my middle finger. gosh..... stupid me! NEVER PICK UP A RATTLER! i was stoked that i saw 3 rattlers in one weekend though. it's kinda disappointing to hear everybody up there just kills them at first site.