Snakes *disturbing photos*

[Zinjifrah]

Snake doesn't understand 'this belongs to someone else'. It just understands 'this is food, and I'm hungry'. Not in so many words, of course, but the concept. Don't blame the snake for doing what a snake has evolved to do. Blame the lack of having ensured the snake can't get in, and appreciate the beautiful, remarkably unique creature that you're privileged to encounter.

Even a venomous snake really doesn't want to bite you, and a large percentage of venomous snake bites are 'dry' - meaning that it doesn't inject venom, unless it's been seriously harassed before biting. That's a waste of resources. It takes energy to make that venom, and the snake doesn't want to waste it on something it can't eat. I'd much rather have snakes (I was delighted to see a baby bull snake slither under my shed the other day) than have Hantavirus.

 

[lazy gardener]

I also welcome snakes onto my property, and hate it when my dog kills a snake. No poisonous snakes here. Yes, they startle me when I suddenly see one slithering between my feet, but, it brings a smile to my face when I see a pile of garter snakes in the flower bed.

 

[Bunnylady]

Probably not. Certainly can't speak for every rat snake out there, but every one I've ever handled (and there's been quite a few) have been very docile.

They might musk on you (DOUBLE YUCK!!), but my experience has been the same. Black Racers, now - they will grab you any chance they get!

unless it's been seriously harassed before biting.

Getting stepped on probably counts as "serious harassment" to a snake.

I also welcome snakes onto my property, and hate it when my dog kills a snake. No poisonous snakes here. Yes, they startle me when I suddenly see one slithering between my feet, but, it brings a smile to my face when I see a pile of garter snakes in the flower bed.

You would probably have been very amused to see the jig I danced trying not to step on a Copperhead at dusk a while back - I hadn't realized the snake was there, until I had nearly stepped over it, then it dodged and I dodged and we had a frantic 3-second pas de deux before it went one way and I the other.

 

[kwhites634]

they probably don't think a whole lot of good thoughts about you either. Every creature on this earth has a purpose and deserves a chance to live. If it's eating your livestock, then ok if you have to, humanely dispatch it, but it's just following it's instincts. I hate people that hate animals. (don't know if you figured it out).

Snakes aren't animals, they're.....well, they're snakes

 

[lazy gardener]

Animal, vegetable, or mineral? I vote animal! Insect, mammal, bird, fish, or reptile? I vote reptile. Unless, the snake is a deceiving, shabby excuse for a human being. Then, it's a ... snake.

 

[lazy gardener]

Hey Ken, there were a boat load of crappie hanging out under the swimming float at camp last summer. This summer... not a one! I'd never seen a crappie until last summer. Tasty???

We got water snakes too!

 

[Zinjifrah]

Getting stepped on probably counts as "serious harassment" to a snake.

I'd consider that serious harassment as well! I'm not fond of being stepped on. I'm not very venomous, though.

Snakes aren't animals, they're.....well, they're snakes

Snakes are animals. Humans are animals, as well. Snakes are generally quite a bit more honest than humans, but they CAN lie. Just corner a bull snake, and watch it coil up, rear its neck, flatten its head out and rattle its tail on the ground, pretending to be a rattlesnake in self defense. Difference... snakes lie to try and survive. Humans lie because they can.

Hey Ken, there were a boat load of crappie hanging out under the swimming float at camp last summer. This summer... not a one! I'd never seen a crappie until last summer. Tasty???

We got water snakes too!

I love this video. The guy just sounds so delighted.

 

[kwhites634]

Hey Ken, there were a boat load of crappie hanging out under the swimming float at camp last summer. This summer... not a one! I'd never seen a crappie until last summer. Tasty???

We got water snakes too!

Tasty is a understatement

 

[True Patriot]

In response to the on going debating. Which is why I posted this originally. Yes, I killed this snake. No, I don't normally kill all the snakes I come across. I have about 500+ acres of federal land behind where I live. Most snakes get relocated to that area. Even the venomous ones. I've relocated 3 Rattlers in the last month, and at least 6 others. That being said, this one was killed for this reason. It found an easy food source, it knows where it is and will return. I will protect my livestock and pets from any predator. Had I found it in the garden it would be roaming still. However, I found it in the coop digesting two of my 4 week old chicks. If you would have done something different, you have the right to. I don't judge based on kill or no kill preference.

 

[kwhites634]

I'd consider that serious harassment as well! I'm not fond of being stepped on. I'm not very venomous, though.



Snakes are animals. Humans are animals, as well. Snakes are generally quite a bit more honest than humans, but they CAN lie. Just corner a bull snake, and watch it coil up, rear its neck, flatten its head out and rattle its tail on the ground, pretending to be a rattlesnake in self defense. Difference... snakes lie to try and survive. Humans lie because they can.



I love this video. The guy just sounds so delighted.

I like animals
I don't like snakes
Therefor, snakes aren't animals