Fearless cat stands ground against giant rattler within striking distance

It’s the beginning of snake season in Texas and authorities are warning people to watch out for the reptiles as they emerge from hibernation.

The Laguna Vista Police Department posted the warning on its Facebook page after a close call between a giant rattler and a group of hikers on a local trail.

Police posted photos of the massive snake and another photo showing a fearless cat staring down a big rattler.

Rattlesnakes emerge from hibernation in Texas in March or April, according to the police post. They favor temperatures that remain 60 degrees Fahrenheit or above, and are most active when temperatures reach 80 to 90 degrees.