Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 November 1883 — A Rattlesnake Catcher. [ARTICLE]

A Rattlesnake Catcher.

John C. Geer, of Long Eddy, a veteran snake catcher, does a lively business in rattlesnakes. He catches them for traveling shows and, menageries, and sells them at a good round price. His method of capture is very simple.— With his feet encased in a pair of heavy Cowhide boots, through which the fangs of the snakes cannot penetrate, he goes out into the woods a short distance from his farm-house. Armed with a heavy cane he walks along until he sees or hears a rattler. If it is coiled up a blow with the cane will straighten it out, and while it is uncoiled it cannot strike. Holding it firmly back of the head with a cane, he slips a small hood of thick woolen cloth over its head and ties it fast. The snake can then wriggle and strike as much as it pleases; it is harmless. After two or three are captured they are put into a bag and carried home. There they are put into a box specially prepared for their reception, having a front of thick plate glass. At first they are furious, and writhe and plunge about, striking at the sidftsmf the box in a most extraordinary manner, but they finally quiet down and take kindly to their new quarters. They are fed three times a day regularly. Their food consists of frogs, mice, gophers and sometimes small bird§. Mr. Geer says August is the most dangerous of all months for capturing the snakes, because they are shedding their skins and cannot see, and so do not give the customary three alarm rattles. “Snakes is curious,” said Mr. Geer. “Snakes is curious, and no mistake. These varmints never think of biting at any other time of the year without calling out a warning ’cept in August, and then they are fearfully touchy. I suppose it’s because, as they can’t see, they are afraid of bein’ hurt all the time. More people get bit by rattlesnakes in August than in all the rest of the year put together. You see, the varmints, bein’ so blind, don’t know, where they crawl to, and often they curl up right alongside of a road, and sometimes in the middle of it. They are very sensitive, and the minute they bear any one ne .r them they try to bite. That’s why so many of these city folks who Come up in the Sullivan county mountains for rest, as they call it, get poisoned, and once in a while die. Most of ’em dies from fright, though, ’cause with proper care they can always be cured. After dark is the meanest time with rattlers in August. You see, generally the rattler goes to sleep at sundown, or if lie is awake he is afraid and keeps quiet. But in August his tender hide and his eyes pain him so he can’t sleep well, and he is just as apt as not to stretch himself right out on one of the foot paths. If-he does you can just bet that the man or woman who eomos in his way gets hit.”— Ken: York Sun.