The New Years countdown. Cities across Japan participate in this international tradition in a number of ways. Here in Tokyo, people fix their eyes on a large electric bulletin board at Tokyo Tower as it changes from 2011 to 2012.
Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus. The Timber rattlesnake is sometimes mild tempered and does a good deal of rattling before striking. Commonly found in rocky wooded hills in the northern part of its range. Fatalities are known from the bite of this snake. Average length 3 feet, maximum length 6 feet.
The species became an important symbol during the American Revolution, and in 2008 the state of West Virginia adopted the Timber Rattlesnake as its official state reptile. In the southern states, it's often called the Canebrake Rattlesnake. It does exist in Florida, but only in the very northern portions.