It’s that time of year when “critters” want to come out and play.

Some of these creatures can be dangerous.

A good friend, Dale Simpson, sent a note recently about what he found in the chicken coop outside of his house in Gaston the other morning.

Dale and his wife come across critters sneaking in to consume eggs every now and then but this was a first. Dale has seen king snakes and Indigos before but never expected a rattlesnake, Yes, a rattlesnake.

Dale wanted to share that these slithering creatures are in the Gaston area.

Dale said the snake was close to 3 feet long. I don’t know about you, but that is a big snake.

The Quail wants to remind everyone, especially parents with small children that these critters can show up in the backyard unannounced and dangerous. Please check out where your kids are playing and especially under objects that might contain uninvited guests.