The last post was about a lovely watersnake that visited the Frog Pond. I was sure in hopes to see the snake stay as I am rather fond of most snakes. I had even called the critter a "friend". Then...another visitor and something that may not have ended too well for me. If it had not been for the intervening of another friend, I could have been quite ill right now.
Yesterday morning, I opened the back door to let the cat out for his morning prowl. He usually bounds out and heads to the Frog Pond to investigate what changed overnight. This time, it was different. He leapt off the deck and froze. He did not move a muscle but only listened. He sensed something was not right. Thinking that the bobcat may have been still nearby after his nightly patrol, I stayed on the deck sweeping the dead leaves that had fallen from the pear trees. Bat, the cat, did not move.
Finally, I decided to walk around a bit to ease the cat's mind. He went to the far side of the Frog Pond and I stayed on the path between the pond and the house. I was barefooted so I was careful about how I stepped on the gravel path but obviously not too observant. A tablesaw covered by a tarp was alongside of the path. Son had not had time to put it back in the shed the night before but, little did I know, that something was lurking under that tarp.. Suddenly, Bat barreled across the yard and under that tarp. A huge tussle was taking place just inches from my feet! Just as I was about to lift the tarp thinking I had to rescue some hapless critter, a snake slithered from underneath. Bat's attack was ruthless as he chased the 3ft+ snake toward the pond. Several times, the snake turned to face the cat but Bat was too quick and would leap behind the snake. As soon as the snake got into the open where the morning light was a bit brighter, I realized that this was a cottonmouth. "BAT! COME!" I yelled for my sweet cat! He was having no part of listening as he focused on his attack. The snake made a hasty retreat for the small concrete pond. Bat darted underneath the house once he realized that he could no longer continue his attack. My heart sunk as I fretted over Bat perhaps being bitten but I really had to figure out how to get the snake out of the pond. (I have a sweet little niece coming to visit and I sure do not want a moccasin anywhere near, if I could help it.)
Knowing that the pond holds a little over 600 gallons of water and was filled with water hyacinths and lilies, I was in a quandary. Keeping watch on the snake lying atop some lilies, I eased around the back side to pull the hose from the fountain. At least that would drain some of the water making the exit of the snake a bit harder. Then with a 5 gallon bucket, I bailed...and bailed...and bailed all the while keeping an eye on that snake. Ugh! This is way too much work on an old lady! Finally, I felt comfortable enough to rush inside and call to Son to get out of bed and come help get the critter!
As much as I hate killing any critter, this one sadly had to go. Son pinned the snake to the bottom with a flat hoe and I flipped it into the 5 gallon bucket. That done, the snake was "taken care of" and disposed. That...was no pond friend. Now, my attention could be turned to my heroic cat! Where was Bat and had he received another snake bite. He was bitten (dry bite) by a cottonmouth just about a year ago and was quite sick for a few days. I called...and hunted. Finally, Bat came. He looked none the worse for wear and after a thorough examination, I found no bite marks. I sighed with relief and hugged my protector. Oh, Bat! You are truly amazing! What a hero!
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