Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

that is way closer than we'd ever want to be- but- good shot!

Greg I am licensed to keep (but not show) venomous reptiles in FL, have been for over 15 years. I had an Eastern Diamondback like this one which was almost 7 feet when it died. I used to gently free handle him frequently and was never bitten. Copperheads are my favorite, in addition to being gorgeous snakes, they are very even tempered, you have to really tick them off for them to strike and usually their first strike is a "dry" bite because it takes a while to replenish their venom supplies and they need them for paralyzing prey.