history: I was outside the other day and a rattle snake was looking me in the eyes. I was never so terrified in my life.  Oh my gosh! I was outside the other day_comma_ and what did my eyes see? A rattlesnake! Ack! I was never so terrified in my life!  Those are nothing to mess around with. They can be deadly.
current: Yes they can. Thank goodness my husband was home and killed that sucker! 
next: No kidding. I would hate to have to come face to face with one.