Rattlesnakes
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Miscellaneous / Off-topic
Forum Discription: Pull a chair up to the campfire and chat. No religious, political or weapons talk, please.
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10015
Printed Date: 29 Apr 2024 at 10:00pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Rattlesnakes
Posted By: ronahue
Subject: Rattlesnakes
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 6:36am
I have decided to make a quick trip to visit my ailing brother in Creston, California while in route to Alaska. I know from experience his property is loaded with rattlesnakes Has anyone had snakes get into their r-Pod? I'm not afraid of snakes but I don't really want one in bed with me.------------- Ron & Sharon 2015 R-Pod 179 2022 Nissan Frontier No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated |
Replies:
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 10:30am
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We live in rattlesnake territory. I don't think a self-respecting rattlesnake would climb the steps into an rpod. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: ronahue
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 10:32am
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Excellent, I will sleep well on your advice. ------------- Ron & Sharon 2015 R-Pod 179 2022 Nissan Frontier No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 11:34am
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They have rattle snake and cotton mouth down in North Carolina, that we have seen at the Alligator River wildlife area, but haven't seen any at the campground.
Should be safe if you have used some spray foam underneath to keep out mice.........should keep the snakes out too!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 11:35am
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Also have had fried rattlesnake before and it is actually pretty good!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 12:06pm
I've always wanted to try it. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 12:52pm
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We had it at the restaurant located at the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, in the town of Tusayan , can't remember the name of the restaurant , but it really tasted good!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 4:14pm
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Snakes In The Pod! Leo, you could play Neville Flynn (Sam Jackson)! This could be Yuuuge! You gotta promise not to cook the cast. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 5:34pm
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Snakes are very interesting things. I been around them all my life, from living in the Mojave in AZ and CA, to fishing and running lines in the South and finally in the woods in TN. I never had an issue inside a camper. Some are aggressive and some will try and get away. Rattlesnakes are in the get away class. They will bite but usually when surprised or attacked, their sensors tell them how big you are. Moccasins are aggressive, I actually had them chase me, or torment me while fishing, and drop in boat from tree branches. Copperheads are silent and can be laying in flower beds and in rocks, get close they strike, number 1 poisonous bite in TN. Number one thing for snakes is a food source, if you run a littered camp site that brings in rodents, Jake is right behind them. Another thing is cover, if you have long grass or woods (brush) near your site, a rock wall, they have cover. One other thing - on my property I have a very large king snake, who has a thing about my garden hose, it is shocking to pick up your garden hose and find it has a partner. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: ronahue
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 5:38pm
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Thank's to all I appreciate your comments. ------------- Ron & Sharon 2015 R-Pod 179 2022 Nissan Frontier No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 5:42pm
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------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 5:42pm
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Ive heard of snakes on a plane!!! ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 7:49pm
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Interesting topic here that I have been thinking about for some time. Due to my job I can only camp for longer periods in spring and fall but when retirement comes at the end of next year I may get to camp in the pod for a longer stretch of time in the summer, a first. Anyway I digress, we have had issues with insects like mosquitoes, black flies and the like get into our 177 during the night and after a couple miserable nights found out they were entering via the slide underneath where there is a good 1/2 to 3/4 inch gap between the rubber and the slide. The only way I could fix this was to stick an old undershirt in that area to keep the critters out and by doing this we have been quite successful and bug free. Yet if I don't do that it would seem like there is plenty of room for a snake to slither in, if the opportunity presented itself. What do you all think?
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 8:25pm
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Jato, not going to happen. They need traction. They can't just crawl up anything. Best bet is to limit their food sources on your campsite. They will follow mice, and rodents, make sure your bottom is sealed. They are not super predators, but are in the food chain. They tend to like an area where they are left alone, for instance they might like to curl under your extended step, or under your camper, rattlesnakes usually warn when threatened, but not always, if changing skin they can't make noise. There not bug eaters, they want warm stuff, and stuff they can detect in edible size. Most times they are a surprise, not the norm. The slide is high for them to navigate, they are not cobras. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 8:34pm
 Fred, YOU KILL ME!!!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 8:51pm
Better you than me. I almost stepped on a glass snake once (actually, a legless lizard that is harmless). I almost needed to go change.  ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 10:13pm
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Where we live, even though it's rattlesnake country, I think I'd worry more about black widows and scorpions. When the pod is sitting in its parking place being left nice and quiet, that's when the black widows and scorpions can take up residence in the nooks and crannies where you stick your hand w/o looking. Has anyone ever had any undesirable creature like snakes and such get into the frame rails? ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: ronahue
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 6:28am
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Oh Great!! Now I have black widows and scorpions to worry about. Maybe I'll just sleep in my brother's house and leave the pod to the creatures of the night😩 ------------- Ron & Sharon 2015 R-Pod 179 2022 Nissan Frontier No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 9:04am
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Ron, not to worry there are plenty of black widows in the houses of CA too. The last black widow I found in my house (30 mi from CA +/-) had taken up residence under my dishwasher in the kitchen. .... she said she was from Creston, CA. 😉 ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 9:14am
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Been bit by a BW in northern Cali, AND central Kentucky.. Once as a child, California, and a few years ago as an adult, here. BTW, if you walk into the ER with a BW in a bag, and a swelling hand, they bump you RIGHT to the front of the line.. LOL Recovered from both bites with no issues.. I have a cousin who lost a fair bit of her right rear cheek to a brown recluse bite. We have lots of snakes.. but we live in the woods. We also have a very large black rat snake that stays pretty close to the house.. I like him/her, but it can startle you when you find them in odd places.. ------------- |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 12:13pm
 Way to get their attention !! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 8:48pm
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Thanks Mike, I will make sure there are no sticks laying against the slide or under the slide for them to get any "ideas."
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 10:33pm
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We had a big old rattler that lived in our pump shed for a number of years. He would always be hanging out in the corner. He never rattled, and he never uncoiled. He just sat there. I don't know how long he was, but Western Rattlesnakes never get very long. But they do grow in girth quite a lot, and this guy was close to 2 inches in diameter. The story goes that they only get that big if they are non-aggressive. This guy was certainly that. We once had a plumber in there working on the pressure pump/tank. I pointed out to him that there was a rattler in the corner, and he replied "Yeah, I saw him, and he's not bothering anybody." ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 6:21pm
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Now I gotta make a second movie: Arachnophobia II: PodSpiders I think I need a Kiscksartser Project! Furpod will play the brave entomologist who.... after numerous Black Widow stings is not only immune but has grown eight appendages which not only allows hims to stabilize his trailer with just a few quick turns; can also raise an R-Dome and start the BBQ at the same time! While he is parking his Pod, we see Leo screaming and running down the park path with nothing more than a bath towel followed by Techntrek with jumper cables attached to a solar panel determined to neutralize the hairy eight legged menace chasing Leo. We run pass CharlieM who calmly explains that the amperage is deceasing the further Techntrek gets from the power source and will probably be ineffective. Leo summons his inner New England, northern woods instincts and jumps and drop kicks the hairy eight legged menace! Leo's towel drops off....fade to black... fred A.K.A... Francis Fred Coppola ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 6:49pm
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Pure genius!!!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 6:55pm
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Fred, where do the scorpions fit in? Why they even have those on United flights falling out of the overhead bins. You have to add the scorpions. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 7:20pm
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I got it! As we fade to black, camera pans down. Leo is looking down too! We see tail of scorpion. It's locked an loaded...credits role. Sequel: The Scorpion King Leo comes back as a mutant ninja Camp Host! He can start campfires with his tail! (OK, so we know he can do that already - artistic license) fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 7:44pm
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Now you've got a winner! 😎 ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 7:53pm
 I need an agent!!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Live2Camp
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 12:42pm
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Late to respond here, but hope this helps - have lived with and camped with rattlesnakes all my life and a key thing is to be able to see where you put your feet and your hands. If this sounds really basic, it is - but it's often & understandably overlooked. So no criticism! I recommend putting a brightly-colored mat on the ground below your step (and in front of tent doors). This can be the bright green or bright blue indoor-outdoor "carpet" that you buy at hardware stores for example. It wil serve at least two purposes, keeping dirt out of your trailer or tent, and providing a contrast if rattlesnake/s are around. When you're ready to break camp, just sweep it off and roll it up. Anything that provides shade and/or cover - your trailer, boards or garbage can lids on the ground, tarps on the ground, wood piles, etc. - can provide for a rattlesnake. To them it's a shelter - they are hiding from overhead predators (hawks primarily) and also watching for their prey - so keep those kinds of things away from where you step, sit, reach and you'll greatly reduce the opportunity for them to cozy up near where you are. Always glance under picnic tables before you sit down for the same reason. In fact I like contrast under picnic tables as well :-) And, if you're camping long-term enough to put out bird feeders keep in mind that bird seed that reaches the ground attracts rodents which attract rattlesnakes (and other predators). In general for long term camping (and for the benefit of the next campers) the fewer food crumbs any of us leave on the ground in snake habitat, the less the chance of drawing them in (again because they seek the rodents who seek the crumbs). Hope this helps! -Live2Camp & tell about it :-) ------------- 2017 R-Pod 179 HRE (the green one) His:Ford F150 double cab 4WD; Hers/mine:Tacoma V6 double cab 4WD Still love rugged, diggin' comfy too |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 1:34pm
 ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 2:32pm
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Another very important fact is that the range of a striking snake really isn't that great. The biggest rattlesnake (E. Diamondback) gets up to 8 feet long but that means they can only reach someone within 3-4 feet of them. Most rattlesnakes, etc are more like 3 or 4 feet, at most, with proportionately decreased striking range. Have fun, keep your eyes open, and don't reach blindly into woodpiles ('Copperhead Country').
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Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 3:05pm
 Getting the hang of it! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 5:17pm
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Leo,
I think you have a future as a wildlife photo guy, but you have to get out of the TV. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 8:16pm
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------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2017 at 8:29pm
Good job Leo! Reminds me of Marlin and Jim wrestling that anaconda! ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2017 at 5:27am
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Now that's a snake!!!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: birderdiane526
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2017 at 9:08pm
 Just read this thread all the way through. ROFLMAO!! That is all.------------- Diane and Michael 2016 179 "PIP" (PODDING IN PARADISE) 2007 Toyota Tundra BLOG:Podding in Paradise, birderdiane526.blogspot.com |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2017 at 6:05am
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------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Tintin
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2017 at 1:23pm
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A couple of years ago, my wife and I traveled to SD. With exception of a few area in S. MN we have few, if any, rattlesnakes and are not familiar with how they might behave. In Badlands we saw a sign on a trail warning us of rattlesnakes. We turned to each other with expressions of confusion as to how to proceed. We never saw any snakes, which was good as my wife's scream when she sees a common garter snake is several decibels higher than is considered safe by OSHA. Most of our camping is in Northern MN, UP MI and Ontario - we have plenty of mosquitoes but thankfully no rattlers.  |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2017 at 3:01pm
We saw those same signs at Little Big Horn. My wife doesn't scream at snakes. She picks them up (true). Yeah, I know. Kinda weird. But...when I developed a big bulls-eye (and a few other side-effects) from a tick bite this summer and was treated for Lyme, every time I get out of the shower...she screams!!! gotto keep this thread going...
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2017 at 3:52pm
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------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: birderdiane526
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2017 at 7:34pm
 ------------- Diane and Michael 2016 179 "PIP" (PODDING IN PARADISE) 2007 Toyota Tundra BLOG:Podding in Paradise, birderdiane526.blogspot.com |
Posted By: Sammy the dog
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2017 at 7:33pm
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Snakes don't climb stairs? I have watched snakes slither up into tow vehicles. 12 +inches off ground. It was weird because I was out looking for snakes for a classroom, stopped at a parking lot, the snake came out of nowhere, went to the car next to us, then proceeded to climb into the engine area? Yep they could get in you pod. But why would they?? Lived in snake country most of my life. ------------- Paddle daily |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2017 at 8:08pm
Cause that where we keep the beer
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |