My question is, how did cowboys sleep at night on the ground without fear of snakes snuggling up to them? I have seen western movies where one would toss a rope around their bedroll but this seems to be an old wives tale...no truth to it.

ANSWER:

I've slept on the ground many times in rattlesnake country, and it never seemed to be much of an issue. As always, you just need to be alert to your surroundings and use common sense -- like shaking out your bedroll and boots. And, of course, don't make the critter feel trapped or threatened -- that's what provokes it to strike.

Generally, the snakes I've encountered were as eager to avoid me as I was to avoid them. The rope around the bedroll idea might help alert the creepy crawlers to your presence, but like you I doubt it would do much good.

Western diamondback rattlesnake photo courtesy of Gary M. Stolz, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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