A few questions about Rusty's Cave

[UnderGroundEarth]

I believe somebody was snake bit up there about this time last year

I heard that "somebody" who got bit was picking up the rattle snake trying to impress some other folks. If they would have just left it alone, chances are they would not have been bit.

[Extremeophile]

I believe somebody was snake bit up there about this time last year

I heard that "somebody" who got bit was picking up the rattle snake trying to impress some other folks. If they would have just left it alone, chances are they would not have been bit.

A classic Darwin Award story ... or at least honorable mention.

[gindling]

During the last TAG Cave-In at Sequoyah Caverns there was a rattler at the bottom of the pit on a shelf at head height. As soon as you got off rope its there sitting in front of you at eye level, ratlling off. Thought it may have fallen in and we didn't think it was the best place for it seeing how its so cold and not much to eat. (as well as scaring the s#!^ out of me getting off rope) It didnt take much convincing for it to enter my empty cave pack, and we hauled it to the surface. Though it was going off in my pack as it was tethered to me on the climb, it seemed much happier topside. Though I will say, I don't usually try to pick up snakes, and there were three of us to help coax it into the pack.We figured with all the traffic from the Cave-In it was only a matter of time before someone got bit.

[Shane S]

Yes I won't call any names. I wasn't on that trip but know some people who was. From what I hear a rattle sneak was found. Someone was bragging that they knew how to handle sneaks. Needless to say it didn't go so good.

[graveleye]

dang them sneaks!

[GroundquestMSA]

I heard that "somebody" who got bit was picking up the rattle snake trying to impress some other folks. If they would have just left it alone, chances are they would not have been bit.

Exactly. Avoiding an area because it's a habitat for snakes is unreasonable. Snakes don't want to bite you. Sunday a kid was telling me that he has shot three big blacksnakes around his farm this year. When I asked why he said, "It was either me or them, I had no choice." I have no idea how people get such idiotic ideas. I must admit that when I saw my first rattlesnake I picked it up, but not to impress anyone, I was by myself (though bragging about it now nullifies the purity of my intentions I suppose (while I'm at it, I also chased the first bear I ever saw))

[Grandpa Caver]

Grandpa sez: Ya ought never chase bears cuz they's likely to chase ya back!
I've never been to Rustys but it sounds like a good trip. I don't usually let local flora or fauna deter me much but IMO, there's times when a winter trip can be preferable to summer.

[rebelfirefighter]

I know of an off the beaten path pit on Pigeon Mountain with a large copperhead in it. I wasnt gonna wrestle with him attemping a rescue so I left him in there.

[trogman]

I know of an off the beaten path pit on Pigeon Mountain with a large copperhead in it. I wasnt gonna wrestle with him attemping a rescue so I left him in there.

Which pit might that be? I'd hate to drop into it unawares.

Trogman

[Shane S]

Yes I know people who were on that trip. From what I understand he was going to "show off" and pick up the rattle sneak. Needless to say it didn't quite go as planned.

[rebelfirefighter]

Copperhead was in Madam's Pit on Pigeon. Its been over a year ago.