It’s fascinating to see how many different patterns and color variations occur within a species. Also, I can’t pass on the opportunity to reiterate the undeserved negative reputation that timbers (as well as every over species of rattlesnake) receive. I spent some time sitting within 4-5 feet of three timber rattlesnakes that I encountered, just watching them. The initial reaction was somewhat defensive: rattling, and defensive postures, but they eventually seemed to develop more curiosity toward me, sitting in the open and flicking their tongues a lot, but showing no defensive behavior, except when I would make a sudden movement, which would result in a sporadic bout of rattling, but nothing more. Bald Eagle State Forest, PA.