Lunch time visitor

I work in an office building that is in an area that is mostly urban, however there is a swampy area next to us that is green and lush and home to may critters, including this one:

That, my friends, is about a 3' eastren diamondback rattlesnake. Today while coming back from lunch I literally almost stepped on it's head. I'm not exaggerating at all. Had I taken ONE more step it probably would have struck me.

I froze, the snake froze, and we looked at each other for a few seconds. He had his tail up, and I was close enough to count about eight rattles, but apparently he wasn't all that afraid of me because he didn't shake them. He turned his head toward me, flicked his black little tongue my way a couple times, and then very slowly started to make his way across the parking lot. I managed to grab by cell and snap a few pics (not very good quality, sorry).

How cool, huh? BEAUTIFUL snake, he must have recently shed, he gleamed in the sun and was sleek and powerful. I couldn't help compare his very square, almost snub nosed head to my Ball Python and Red Tail... they are shaped very different.

I feel very fortunate this guy did not take umbrage with me for taking up his valuable time on his way to greener pastures. Rock on Mr. Snake. Thanks for not biting me.

I want to remind everyone how important and beneficial snakes of all kinds are to our ecosystems. They keep our rodant populations down. They are natures exterminators.