Internet Myths - Monstrous Rattlesnakes

Have you seen e-mails that include the following?  Raise the suspicion flag if it involves:

1) Rattlesnakes over 7-foot, and ones weighing over 20 pounds.   

Folks, if you hear or read of a rattlesnake over 7 foot, instantly raise the suspicion flag.  A western diamondback (Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona) over 7.5 foot would be a record and is probably not possible.  In Texas, that new record will be in South Texas where they have a longer "growing season"  to feed.

Eastern diamondbacks (SE US); a 8.5 foot one would probably be a record.  How much do the monsters weigh?  16-17 pounds is ballpark; maybe a 20 or so could be out there. 

Concerning photos, people make them look larger by holding them weigh out in front (old fishing trick).  A five-foot rattlesnake will make a man grimace holding it due to the length-weight.  Kind of like it is very awkward to load a deer into a pickup by yourself.

Often Snoops.com will reveal the fraud of these photos.  A 9-foot rattlesnake turned out to be a 4-foot snake held out in front of a man.  Usually, the fraud e-mails will show up as "sightings, photographs, or captures" claiming many sites, and even many years - same photo.  :)  Cracks me up.  No actually angers me because of what I know!

TRUST ME!!!!