That was quick!

  Sometimes it honestly pays to ask the experts.  It can make all the difference in the world especially when it comes to something that could potentially present a danger.  Here on the Bayou, I find a lot of snakes.  While I recognize most of them, it is always comforting to know that there is someone who will positively identify a snake in just a matter of minutes.  (Oh, the wonders of the internet and modern technology.)  On the social media, Facebook, there are just such experts who do a remarkable job of identifying snakes and promote education of how to coexist with them.  The "Snake Identification" page is something that I highly recommend everyone join.  This evening, I posted a photograph of a beautiful little watersnake on the group's page and asked for an identification.  In less than a minute, I had my answer.  "Broad-banded Watersnake" and a "very pretty one at that!"  I agree.  The snake is pretty and, even though it has taken up residence in the Frog Pond, it is welcome to stay.

  The thing about asking the experts for an identification is that it gives me "proof" of a snake's identification and of its danger or lack thereof.  I tend to leave snakes to do their own snaky things but I do catch a lot of flak from uninformed folks.  Most people have a great fear of all snakes and immediately jump to the conclusion that all are venomous monsters. This harmless snake would have been labeled as either a moccasin or a copperhead and most likely would have met with instant death.  Dealing with folks like this is rather disheartening.  I try to explain that snakes are good to have around the place.  They eat a ton of bugs and rodents which would otherwise soon overrun the place.  Personally, I would rather have a snake than a hoard of rats. The "Snake Identification" group gives me just the backup I need to defend my snaky friends. 

  I first found the little watersnake back in the spring.  It seems to be quite shy and stays hidden during the daytime hours when we are out and about the yard.  When I saw it again just last week, my little friend had grown!  It must be feasting on the ready supply of frogs in the pond.  I am sure that the one snake will not deplete the number of frogs by too great of number so I have no qualms of letting it live out its days among the water hyacinths and lily pads.  Lets just hope none of my "Kill the snake" friends see it!