While the title of the video is a bit misleading – you don’t ever see the ranger and there’s no actual fight – the content is pretty intense.

This is a video of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, coiled and rattling, taken in the Santa Monica Mountains. The video was shot by a National Park Ranger from 25 feet away – well out of striking distance – and the snake was not disturbed.

But if you’ve never had the chance to see one of these guys up close – or just want to give yourself something to worry about next time you hit the trail – please enjoy:

… and now that you’re terrified, it’s as good a time as any to remind you of the proper rattlesnake safety techniques.

Via Santa Monica NRA on Twitter.

Tags: National Park Service, rattlesnake, safety, Santa Monica Mountains, Video