I have mentioned in previous conversations that a large snake has been living in my basement. The snake itself had eluded observation, but there were plenty of pieces of shed skins to convince me that my basement had a nonpaying guest. All this would be fine, except that said guest is not potty trained, and sometimes the basement reeks of snake excrement.
The way my basement is constructed - concrete blocks with brick veneer - led me to believe that the snake was finding its way in and out of the house with relative ease. Inside, the blocks are not sealed at the top. By burrowing underneath from outside the house, the interloper could, um, snake its way through the blocks and hang out in the safety of the basement whenever it chose to.
The Daily Bucket is a regular feature of the Backyard Science group. It is a place to note any observations you have made of the world around you. Insects, weather, meteorites, climate, birds and/or flowers. All are worthy additions to the bucket. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment. Include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located. Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the patterns that are quietly unwinding around us.
|
On Saturday afternoon, I walked around the side of the house just in time to see a large eastern black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta) next to the basement door.
Note: If my snake ID is wrong, let me know and I will correct it.
I immediately regarded it as my prime suspect. But what was I to do? I'm standing there bare-handed with no tools. As snakey crept along the edge of the house, I stepped into the basement to look for a containment device. Ahh, there's an old ice chest that I no longer use. I carried it outside, set it down, and opened the lid. The snake had moved a bit, but was still next to the house.
On the nature shows, people who seem to know what they're doing will pick up a snake by the tail. So that's what I did. The snake immediately twisted the front half of its body into a series of curves, but it made no attempt to strike. Within five seconds it was in the ice chest with the lid closed.
Caution: there are snake pictures below the fold. You have been warned (though I know that most of you are looking forward to seeing the pics). Lightbox images, click to enlarge for even better snakiness.
Snake has been confined to quarters until verdict is reached.
THE TRIAL
Suspect was charged with trespassing, failure to pay rent, littering, and disorderly conduct. Efforts to handcuff suspect were unsuccessful, as was the effort to fingerprint. Suspect excercised fifth amendment right to remain silent during the entire proceeding.
Evidence consisted of pieces of snake skin which appeared to match the shape and size of the suspect, plus the proximity of suspect to scene of crime when apprehended.
Is this the face of a criminal?
Do you really want to back me into a corner?
After a brief trial, suspect was found Probably Guilty, and was sentenced to freedom at a local park. Suspect was transported approximately one mile, to the opposite side of an Interstate highway and a busy city street, and released in a wooded area. Mug shots were taken. Suspect elected not to appeal, and disappeared into the woods.
Now, this is better!
Some readers might complain that the snake's only crime was Slithering While Black. I assure you that any other suspect would have been treated exactly the same.
It's your turn. What sorts of shady dealings, or cool happenings, are going on in your part of the world? As always, comments and pics on any nature-related topic are encouraged.
Snake gets its taste of freedom.
"Spotlight on Green News & Views" is posted every Saturday at 1:00 pm Pacific Time and Wednesday at 3:30 on the Daily Kos front page. It's a great way to catch up on diaries you might have missed. Be sure to recommend and comment in the diary.