Friend Snake Has Returned!

  Well, it is that time of year again when the snakes are active,  This morning's first hike brought me face to face with a rather large snake that was lounging on a low limb of an oak tree.  It just happens that this limb dangles over the plum trees and I was inspecting the blossoms when I felt something eyeing me.  At first, I thought perhaps the pair of juvenile bobcats may have been watching my every move but then I spied this fine specimen of a snake just about two feet above my head!  This rat snake has been calling the area home for the last couple of years.  It has grown to about six feet in length and has a girth nearly as big around as my forearm.  Today, however, I noticed that either the snake had just eaten or was perhaps gravid.  Either way, it was fat!

  I have yet to understand the needless fear folks have of snakes.  Sure, I am careful of where I walk so I do not step on a cottonmouth or other venomous snake but as for having an unmerited fear of all snakes is ridiculous.  Most snakes will not harm you and they surely do not hunt you or chase you with the foul intentions of biting you!  This unfounded fear leaves some folks paralyzed when they see a snake.  Think about it like this.  Most nonvenomous snakes are no more dangerous than the fluffy cat that everyone loves.  In fact, they are less so.  Both cats and snakes bite but, at least snakes can't scratch!  A nonvenomous snake bite is about like being scratched by a cat.  This is not to say that we should all be careless around snakes as they are wild animals but just use some commonsense.   It is best to learn the snakes of your area.  Take the time to study which are venomous and which are not.  Steer clear of the venomous ones and do not worry about the others.  All snakes are good to have about the place....especially the nonvenomous ones that live in the gardens!

  The rat snake stayed all day in the oak tree and allowed me to get several nice photographs.  Hopefully, my friend will stay near the fruit trees as it can protect the fruit from nuisances such as squirrels and mice.   This huge one would have no problem tackling a squirrel!  Nice to see you out and about, Rat Snake!