Is this rattlesnake real?

The photo was sent to me by email, labelled "hog killer."  I asked the sender re the source/credit, and he didn't know.  So it's like so much stuff that circulates by email - questionable until proven valid.  A quick search indicates that Eastern diamondback rattlers can reach 8' in length, but this is being held toward the camera, and the whole thing could be 'shopped.  Any thoughts?  And if anyone knows of a valid provenance, let me know and I'll give credit.

Addendum December 2010:  A bit hat tip to Matt for tracking down the original report and first publication of the photo.   The snake was 6 feet, 6 inches long.