It's a good thing rattlers are not all that ill-tempered, and they're really not. They will leave almost every time if given the chance. Worst case scenario is if you get too close to him immediately before he's shedded his skin. He is temporarily blind, realizes it, and takes no chances with danger. And yes, he can strike you while blind. He is guided by his pits.

Now cottonmouths, they can be extremely ill-tempered, and will not usually retreat. Experts say they are not aggressive, but I have had big ones try their best to get in the paddle boat with me, while swimming around it. A good cedar boat paddle brought to bear edgeways across their back changes their mind pretty fast.

SRH

May God bless America and those who defend her.