This belongs in the bucket: Meatloaf and Toads. :-)

Thanks you Mr. Bill

Never tried Rattlesnake in my life, but it's a common dish here, yuk.

If it was a big snake I would have not approached it, but rather just left it to wonder off. I have no dogs outside or children so it's cool.

I have a really hard time killing anything though, it's pitiful.

Thanks reefmonkey.

We need them here they eat the pack rats, which get in your car engine and chew up your wiring.

Thanks m2434,

Last thing a man says before he gets bite by a rattle snake " here hold my beer".

There is a stereo type of those individuals much more likely to be bitten. Any doctor or naturalist will tell you it's pretty reliable. Is almost always male under the age of 40, has consumed some alcohol, high likely hood of piercing or tats ( just the facts man), and is making an attempt to some how handle, either by foot, stick or whatever. :

 

There are none here in SE South Dakota but where I grew up in WY was infested with Prairie Rattlesnakes. It was and still is common to "dispose" of any that you come across. They bite horses and cattle, sheep and dogs, and if you live in rural areas you had best look before you do anything around your house.

As young adult I'd catch them live and sell them to a pharmaceutical lab in Denver that made anti-venom and to other collectors that had other reasons for wanting them. But that came to an end because...well just because.

If you ever get the chance give them a try. They have a nice texture and flavor that's on the sweet side. Just cut them into chunks so what you are eating doesn't resemble "what your are eating". Gopher (Bull) snake is delicious too. ;D

 

We came across a few of these in my backyard growing up (suburb of Denver). When I was very little one was in the yard when my sister and I were playing. Our cat got between us and the snake, batting at it and dodging warning strikes. I've heard of dogs do this, but never a cat. The bond between animals and human can be amazing...

My father had to kill the snake to protect the cat...it was like 5 feet or something like that. I've not been a fan of snakes since...

 

Beautiful pics Cheryl, one looks delicious too.;D

 

Cool pictures Cheryl. I have never had a rattler in my yard but my motto is always live and let live. We mostly have Black Racers around here which are harmless. Anything that eats bugs or mice is welcome in my yard.;D

 

I tried Bull frog once and was not pleased. I will pretty much try anything, if I am offered snake yeah I will give a try, as long as someone does not tell me it taste like chicken, big turn off for me.

We teach rattle snake and toad avoidance classes here in AZ it's pretty routine, not for cats though. I know a number of people that have had their dogs bit on more than a couple occasions and been fine. I do not believe in the rattle snake vaccine personally.

Thank you John.

My motto too.

Be cautious but do not do harm because of some fleeting astronomical chance of a bite.

I think that people that play with or raise bears and tigers are crazy, if you are going to swim with sharks do so at your own risk.

If a snake wanders into your yard and you have no small children or dogs, live and let live.

 

HaHa I don't like the "it tastes like chicken" statement either.

Chicken tastes like chicken. Beef tastes like beef. Snake tastes like snake. ;D

 

Oh yes, don't me wrong. I don't necessarily like snakes, but I agree to avoid rather than destroy. Run across more than a few in my days of backbacking/camping/fly fishing. I just give 'em a wide berth and go on my merry way. It's not the snakes fault I'm intruding on his/her space.

Doesn't mean I like them though .

 

If they become frequent for you, get yourself a snake stick. Easy to use and relatively safe with appropriate caution. Well, unless your talking about a 5' or more snake with a dash of angry. I've seen a black tail completely leave the ground and go air-bone for 5-6" horizontal feet...

They taste closer to fish than chicken I'd say. A bit sweet, not a whole lot of flavor actually. Far less chewy than frog legs.

 

The small rattle snake stuck around for another day and I have not seen him since.


This toad however is a frequent visitor. He is known by many names but Colorado River toad is the most common. They are very large and very toxic to dogs and other animals that want to make a meal of them. He has dirt on his head I thought that was too cute. ;D

Meatloaf, num num. Bacon on top with a glaze of brown sugar and ketchup mixed together. Potato salad comes next for a hike tomorrow. Meatloaf sandwiches and potato salad num num again.

Any meatloaf variations and or recipes appreciated.