Quick Pic: Timber Rattlesnake

This big boy crossed our path way back in the Smoky Mountain backcountry several miles above Elkmont. It was an exceptional afternoon. We saw a black bear only 15 minutes or so before this. Two icons of Southern Appalachian wilderness in the same afternoon – and that’s on top of experiencing a great day of dry fly fishing to 100% wild trout.

I usually see anywhere from one to three timber rattlesnakes every year and have never had one act aggressively. Of course I’ve kept my distance so they’ve never had a reason to get aggressive!