[stumpstalker]

This one was a six-foot Diamondback Rattler. It was swimming down-stream, right in the middle of the Wekiva River, Central Florida, like it owned the place. We met it as we paddled up-stream. The snake looked as blown up as an inflated inner-tube, so high it swam on the surface.

We drove it to the bank, and on solid ground cornered it and “captured” it. Yes, blunt instruments were used.

I took it to a local taxidermist to have it stuffed. He said he would not do the job because such a mount could be too terrifying for someone surprised by it -- a cleaning lady coming into a room, for example. It could turn into a medical event, and he did not want to be a part of a lawsuit that might result. Rather, he said, he would skin and tan it, which was done.

It has been 40 years now, and no repercussions. Just a two-dimensional representation and an indelible memory.