What started as a quiet morning walk through Alabama’s Oak Mountain State Park quickly turned into a hair-raising moment for photographer David Graves.
Hoping to soak in the sunrise and enjoy some solitude, he suddenly found himself face-to-face with one of nature’s most intimidating residents—a rattlesnake that was nearly impossible to miss.
A Snake Straight Across the Trail
Graves was making his way along the 4.3-mile King’s Chair Loop when the thick-bodied, three-foot snake slithered directly across his path.
The encounter was caught on video, showing the rattlesnake gliding over the dirt before vanishing into the woods.
For a split second, the relaxing hike had turned into a test of composure.
Staying Alert Saved Him
When asked later how he managed to stop before colliding with the reptile, Graves gave credit to a hiker’s instinct.
“When hiking, I’m looking 10 feet ahead of me,” he explained.
Having trekked the trail more than 400 times, he knew the terrain well—an awareness that may have kept him safe that morning.
Nature’s Perfect Camouflage
Instead of panicking, Graves followed the snake at a cautious distance until it disappeared into the foliage.
He then captured a striking photograph that showcased the rattlesnake’s camouflage.
At first glance, the image looked like nothing more than dirt, plants, and scattered leaves.
But hidden beneath a single red leaf was the snake’s head, almost invisible to the untrained eye.
Reactions from Viewers
The video of the encounter was later shared on Instagram, where it drew plenty of startled reactions.
Some viewers admitted they couldn’t spot the snake at all, while others remarked on its size.
One person wrote, “It’s definitely well fed!” Another confessed, “I thought I saw him in 2-3 spots. Neither was the rattlesnake. Really scary!”
Alabama’s Rattlesnake Residents
Encounters like Graves’s are not uncommon in Alabama, a state home to three species of rattlesnakes: the eastern diamondback, the timber rattlesnake, and the pygmy rattlesnake.
Of the three, the eastern diamondback is both the largest and the most venomous.
Though often associated with Alabama, this species is more commonly found further south in Florida and Georgia.
A Deadly Reminder in Tennessee
While Graves’s encounter ended safely, not all rattlesnake meetings have such a calm outcome.
Just last month, a hiker in Tennessee died after being bitten by a timber rattlesnake at Savage Gulf State Park, about 95 miles from Nashville.
Officials said the man had picked up the snake, a dangerous mistake.
Paramedics performed CPR and rushed him to the hospital, but he did not survive.
Authorities believe he may have suffered an allergic reaction to the venom, though the full cause of death is still being investigated.
The Danger of Timber Rattlesnakes
According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, timber rattlesnakes are large, heavy-bodied creatures with a triangular head and the infamous rattle at the end of the tail.
They use their venomous bite to kill prey, injecting venom through sharp fangs.
Among Tennessee’s four venomous snake species, the timber rattlesnake is considered the most dangerous.
Snakebites in the United States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 7,000 and 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. each year.
Thankfully, the majority survive, with only about five deaths reported annually.
Still, encounters like Graves’s are a sharp reminder of how vital caution is when venturing into snake territory.
Respecting Nature’s Wild Side
For David Graves, his close call turned into a breathtaking photograph and an unforgettable story.
But it also underscores an important lesson for all hikers—stay alert, respect the wildlife, and remember that in places like Alabama and Tennessee, rattlesnakes are very much part of the landscape.