Rattlesnake found in Walmart parking lot.2. Rattlesnake slithers into restaurant.3. Rattlesnake bites man on golf course.4. Rattlesnake found in coat pocket.5. Rattlesnake shocks family in their backyard.

These headlines could just as easily be from an episode of "Fear Factor" as they are from recent news reports. In a country where rattlesnakes are common, it's not surprising that these creatures are showing up in some rather unexpected places.

In Gilbert, Arizona a Walmart parking lot was the site of a surprise rattlesnake sighting. The snake was eventually captured and relocated, but not before causing a bit of a stir.

Earlier this month, a rattlesnake made its way into a pizza restaurant in Alabama. The employees and customers got out of the way Just In Time as the snake slithered beneath one customer's feet.

In March, a man playing golf in eastern Texas was bitten by a rattlesnake and had to be airlifted to the hospital.

And just last week, a family in Concord, California was shocked to find a rattlesnake lurking in their backyard. The snake was eventually caught and killed.

While these headlines may be alarming, they serve as a reminder that it's important to be aware of your surroundings when outdoors –especially if you are visiting an area where rattlesnakes live.

If you do happen to encounter a rattlesnake, remember the following tips:

-stay calm and back away slowly; do not make any sudden movements that could provocation the snake -if you can see the snake clearly, try to identify the type of snake so you can relay that information to emergency responders; if you are unsure what type of snake it is, assume it is poisonous -if the snake is coiled and ready to strike, do not attempt to move closer or capture it; instead, call 911 immediately