The mere suggestion of this creature strikes fear into the hearts of many. Legendary serpent. Stealthy predator. This king of the rattlesnakes won his reputation for good reason. In truth, his world is one full of danger, one that we know little about. Look at that! One man has set out to change that and nearly dies doing it. Dr. Bruce Means ventures through the inland waterways that went from Georgia through Florida's panhandle. A freelance scientist, he is often on his own and prefers it that way. For 25 years now, Means has pioneered the study of North America's largest and most feared viper. Means journeys into this personal heart of darkness on a mission. He fears for the fate of the venomous snake he is after, the Eastern diamondback rattler, a proud and complex recluse slithering toward the black hole of extinction. For over 50 years, I've wondered in nature by myself, sometimes barefooted, but usually with just my sandals on. Where I'm heading takes some getting used to.