What are some good safety tips when encountering a rattlesnake?

When you see a rattlesnake, the only thing you can do to keep from getting bit is don't move. They'll back away from you. They never rattle before they strike. Just locate 'em and stand still, then start backing away very easily. They'll only strike the fast moving. Since you retired, how do you keep involved with snakes? My goal in life as a civic-minded person is to change people's perceptions about rattlesnakes and help them to respect the animal. I train people year-round on how to handle snakes so they won't have to go through the pain like I did. I'm constantly doing demonstrations for Boy Scout groups and oilfield workers. I keep about 100 snakes in a box out in the shed at all times. salon.com | March 11, 2000 - - - - - - - - - - - - About the writer Bryan Mealer is a native of West Texas, where he grew up attending rattlesnake roundups in Sweetwater and Big Spring. He lives in New York and works for Esquire magazine.  more