A couple of seasons back I sat the 5 gal pail(with cushion)that I sit on
when working hives down next to one.I just happened to glance down at the
ground.Right next to my foot was a thick snake tail sticking out from under
the hive, with a bunch of rattles.Never jumped so fast in my life.
  I dont mind the garter,gopher,and king snakes as they do a lot of good
,but the rattlers make me nervous if they are in the beeyard.

----Mike