My Lifelong Journey with Animals: From Rattlesnakes to Tarantulas

My journey with animals is as varied as it is illustrious. Growing up with pets in the home and later in my youth, I encountered and interacted with a myriad of critters that have left a lasting impact on my life. From the family dogs, cats, and parakeets to unique experiences with exotic pets like a Malucan cockatoo and an albino skunk, my life has been an extraordinary testament to the coexistence with different species.

One of the most memorable experiences was during my late 20s to early 40s when I collected various species of monitor lizards, tegus, and pythons. I even successfully bred a few of these reptiles, sharing my bedroom with two six-foot, 40-pound lizards that fed on rabbits. Although the world of exotic pets can be fascinating, it comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.

Broad but Intriguing Experiences

While some of these encounters with animals have been exciting, others have been more daunting. I was bitten in an unprovoked dog attack recently, which required a tetanus shot. Despite this, my love for animals remains unshaken. I now feed a wild fox that visits, and she even brings her kits. Over the years, I have rescued numerous animals, and currently, our household is a bustling zoo of 4 cats, 10 dogs, 2 horses, 8 ducks, and 16 chickens, with puppies often joining the family.

Working with Dogs and Rattlesnakes

Over the past five years, I have interacted with around 1000 different dogs. Initially, these interactions were part of my work as an archaeologist, where I would walk and dig extensively. One such memorable encounter involved a rattlesnake that nearly set me back on my heels during a dig. At the age of 30 inches deep, a 5 ft by 5 ft pit, a rattlesnake appeared from the brush, appearing almost cobra-like as it approached me from a distance. Thankfully, a colleague named Harvey intervened, throwing his pic at the snake and slicing its head off. The incident became a unique hat band for his fedora, with the snake remains fed to his loyal dog as they lived from the contents of a station wagon.

Another memorable experience occurred when walking through East San Diego County. While descending a hill, I encountered a massive rattlesnake without any prior warning. Luckily, I managed to avoid it by jumping to a nearby step, but not without some relief. This event underscores the importance of being alert and cautious in natural environments.

Ancient and Modern Encounters

During my tenure as an archaeologist, we conducted surveys in locations such as Camp Pendleton. One particularly interesting find involved the remains of a World War II training camp, where we discovered a large rattlesnake nearly 16 feet long. Roy, my partner, leaped six feet into the air and eight feet back, narrowly avoiding the snake. The tale of the giant rattlesnake serves as a reminder of the complexity of wildlife management and the importance of respect in the face of nature.

My life and career have been filled with unique and diverse animal encounters. Whether through my own experiences or professional endeavors, I have come to appreciate the incredible diversity of life. From the small fox kits to the giant rattlesnake, every animal encounter has been a learning experience. As I continue to interact with and care for these creatures, my passion for animals remains as passionate as ever.