Originally posted by: Ronstang
The best rule of thumb to follow is to simply leave snakes alone. Most of the time they are actually beneficial. Unless you can positively identify one as poisonous/dangerous you should let them pass. They are not going to bother anyone. They are more afraid of you and your pets then you are of them.
If the snake makes a rattling sound when shaking it's tail, you can always assume it is dangerous. I used to see rattlesnakes all the time when I lived in the Phoenix area, especially on the edge of town. I have only seen rattlesnake once living in Oklahoma and that was in a state park.
I worked in a place near Queen Creek Arizona and we would see rattlers all the time. One dumbass decided to play with a baby Diamond Back and was bit several times on the hand while trying to catch it. Needless to say this guy not only was hospitalized for several days, he also lost his job.