My preference is the opposite of Laura's. Of the three (mountain lions, bears, rattlers) -- and not that I'd be going out of my way to run in to any of them -- I'll take rattlers any day compared to the other two, and esp mountain lions). Rattlers, you just walk around and keep going. Bears just want your food. Mountain lions are silent, track you without your knowing it, and come from behind. So yeah, bring on the slithery things . . . just don't ever ask me to touch 'em (major creep-out handling any snake in any condition).

CaT

PS - On a semi-related note, for you photographers out there, next time you're taking a posed picture of a person (or group of people), try this (it only works once with the same person(s), but it usually works pretty well that one time). When you're ready to take the pic and you want them to smile, instead of saying "Say 'cheeese' ", say "Now everyone say (slight pause for effect) 'rattlesnake' (spoken quickly)". Wait until maximum effect from creepy unexpected word, take picture, enjoy results. Works 99% of the time for me.

If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracle of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.
- Lyndon Johnson, on signing the Wilderness Act into law (1964)