Snakes Can Climb!

  The other day, a lovely rat snake decided to pay us a visit.  By lovely...I do mean just that.  The snake was quite large (over five feet) and appeared to have recently shed its outer skin giving it that fresh look.  A friend had come to visit the Bayou and was astounded to see the snake come out of a tree.  I had just been telling her how there are many snakes in trees and here came our lovely snake. 

  Many folks do not realize just how good of climbers snakes are.  When you think of it, climbing does not seem to be an attribute of something without arms or legs.  How is that even possible?  But...snakes climb.  After my friend, Darlene, left for the day, the snake moved from the rose arbor to the nearby Black Gum Tree.  I was fortunate enough to hear the Blue Jays putting up their familiar "There is a SNAKE!" racket so I slipped out the front door to investigate just where my sweet-natured snake had ventured.  My timing could not have been better!  The snake was on the tree just about eye level with me!  Well, I could not resist "petting" the snake a bit before it was out of reach.  Its true personality came shining through as it not only stopped to let me stroke its back but it also turned its head toward my hand and rested it ever so briefly on my arm.  I HAD JUST GOTTEN A SNAKE HUG!  Sweet!  

  After a few minutes, I backed away to photograph my new found friend as it continued on its climb.  Contrary to what seems logical, the snake did not twist and turn about the tree but, rather, ascended straight up!  How cool is that?!!!  I watched for a bit until darkness fell about me.  I figured that the snake and I had parted ways and would never make eye contact again.  Wrong!  This morning, I found my buddy a relaxing on a branch just a slight bit further up the tree from where I left it the night before.  Aww, I am glad that I did not frighten the poor thing into making a great escape!  I sort of like having critters about the yard....even if they are of the snaky sort!