Scout appreciated 'well-written' article on rattlers

My name is Jeff Briggs. You guys did an article on me back in May about how I was alive and able to play volleyball after a serious near-fatal car accident.

I thought it was a very wellwritten article, and I thank you guys for taking the time to interview me and my coach to write it. However, this letter is not about that article. It is about this snake article in the June 15 issue.

It was sad to hear about the dog and the other three dogs that were rushed to the emergency clinic, but I know it was necessary to write this article, which now gives the people who read the Acorn an idea on how to deal with a rattlesnake if they see one.

I am a Boy Scout and live in the hills of Simi Valley. One time I stepped over a baby rattlesnake barefooted and was unaware of it.

My mom called the fire department because she didn't want me to mess with the snake. As per their policy, the firefighters capture and killed the snake- which neither she nor I wanted.

Now, thanks to your article, I can call these men who catch and release instead of catch and kill the snakes. I also agree with what the article said about staying out of trouble with these snakes because that is what I have been told in Boy Scouts and by my father.

I just wanted to write and tell you that I thought the article was wellwritten and just about covered all of what a person should do if they encounter a rattlesnake. Jeff Briggs Simi Valley