How did a rattlesnake come to mean, don't tread on me?

How the timber rattlesnake became a symbol of American independence
The very real reptile warned enemies ‘Dont tread on me,’ and urged the colonies to ‘Join, or die.'
popsci.com
How did a rattlesnake come to mean, don't tread on me?

How the timber rattlesnake became a symbol of American independence
The very real reptile warned enemies ‘Dont tread on me,’ and urged the colonies to ‘Join, or die.'
popsci.com