The older boys who spend a lot of time around these rocky hills say they see about three rattlesnakes every year. Rattlesnakes usually avoid excessive heat, but Richard Reams, of the Dallas Zoo, has been studying local rattlesnakes, and he says the population is stressed this year. There was rain in Granbury just before Cal was bitten. All the local children are learning the same lesson Cal learned. When you see a snake, turn around and walk away, and watch it from a distance.
Most snake bites are by non-venomous snakes.