D-oh,

I see this thread turning into a Global Warming debate, I hope it doesn't go there. Suffice it to say that a Polar Bear would not think twice about eating you and your family, this snake on the other hand sounds basically harmless. Generally animals like these are good for the environment and SHOULD be protected. There is no way I would kill one if I found it in my yard.
Thanks for the information Rattlesnake Hunter.