We see snakes on and around our land frequently but, so far, they have caused us no problems. I believe that it's pointless to kill a snake unless it's something very dangerous, like the cobras around here. A dead snake will be replaced by a cousin very soon. As has already been mentioned, they are also useful for keeping down vermin and other creatures that might otherwise become too numerous, a job from which our cat resigned. We don't need to release snakes into the wild; the wild is the other side of the walls and fences.
My experience to date is that a snake will run as soon as it sees something big, such as me. A cornered snake, such as one in a coop, could be very nasty. Playing around with them seems to be a dangerous pastime except for experienced handlers. When drivers here see a snake crossing the road, they stop until it has reached the other side. Strange that because they never show pedestrians the same courtesy.
Certain types of snake are regarded as a delicacy by village folk here. They are still masters in the art of self-sufficiency despite downtown McD's turning their kids into Western style fatties. I haven't taken the trouble to ask which ones are edible or delicious for fear of being offered a sample to taste. For members her who might wish to try, chop or mince your snake meat, add chopped chillies, garlic, hedgerow leaves and stems and anything else that takes your fancy. Stir fry the lot in a little fish oil. Serve with boiled rice and add powdered chillies, salt or sugar to taste. It is best accompanied by either a lot of cold water or very cold beer. In my case, a plastic bag would also be needed. Dishes such as these represent the other side of the national cuisine that is more popular today. Modern townies, of course, can't forage or hunt for their food so they have lost the taste for some of the old traditional dishes.
