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Wisconsin's Timber Rattlesnake population is a protected wild animal group, meaning the snake cannot be collected, dead or alive.  Of course, someone in danger can destroy a snake to save themselves or another domestic animal. 

When observed from a distance, Rattlers can be an interesting and beautiful animal, but it's that sudden jolt of seeing one unexpectedly that must cause great discomfort to a person. The snake does have a warning system and sometimes takes a "dry" bite out of a victim, meaning no venom is released during the bite.  Don't bet on that one, though. 

Some animals, like the Honey Badger (not the Wisconsin Badger), are immune to snake bites but most are not.

Female Timbers give birth to live young (not eggs) in October, about every 4-5 years.  Gravid females are often found sunning on rock slabs to thermoregulate, which apparently improves development of the litter inside the female snake.  Sounds sort of like incubating eggs.  It is sometimes possible to determine if a female is pregnant by looking at its bulging belly.