Most of us step into the garden with the assumption that the greatest risk we’ll encounter is nothing more than a thorny rose bush brushing against us.

But for one backyard gardener, the real hazard was lying just a metre away—a five-foot rattlesnake curled up so neatly into the scenery that they almost stood on it.

One photo from the encounter has since blown up online, proving just how invisible a snake can be when it doesn’t want to be found.



At first glance, the scene looks ordinary: a dry creek bed, a bit of mulch, a couple of weeds. Nothing to worry about, right?

But hidden in the greenery is a coiled serpent, its head tucked down, making itself practically unrecognisable.

Even after the homeowner posted the photo with hints, Reddit users struggled. “Y’all telling me where it is and I still don’t see it,” one admitted. Another chimed in: “I wouldn’t have seen it.”


The most unsettling part? The snake never rattled. The homeowner said there wasn’t “a peep” as they carefully coaxed it away with a shovel.

That silence, combined with perfect camouflage, left many online calling it a “very sneaky danger noodle.”

Although the exact location wasn’t confirmed, experts pointed out it was most likely the American Southwest, where Arizona alone is home to 14 species of rattlesnake.


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California and Texas also rank high on the list. And while rattlers aren’t found in Australia, locals here will recognise the same lesson—our brown snakes and taipans are just as good at disappearing in plain sight.
So what should you do if you come across a snake at home? Wildlife experts recommend keeping calm, stepping back slowly, and maintaining at least five feet (about 1.5 metres) of distance.

Never try to throw something at it or force it out; that’s when bites happen. Most snakes would much rather slip away unnoticed than pick a fight.


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While venomous bites are rare, they can be serious. In the US, rattlesnakes are responsible for the majority of the country’s snakebite deaths—up to 15 last year.

Here in Australia, fatalities are even rarer thanks to antivenom and quick medical access, but it’s always smart to play it safe.

And remember: snakes aren’t villains. They’re pest control with scales, keeping rodent numbers in check. Respect their space, and they’ll usually return the favour.

Read next: Thousands left in the dark—was this blackout caused by… a snake?
Have you ever had a reptilian surprise in your own backyard? Did you spot it quickly—or only after the fright of your life? Drop your stories (and survival tips!) in the comments. And if you managed to find this “danger noodle” in under 20 seconds, you’ve got sharper eyes than most!