Snakes tend to be elusive. They are not known for holding still for pictures. Until recently, my collection of snake pics included more blurry shots than clear ones.
Things have changed. Not long ago, a black rat snake was the subject of this diary. While that snake was in custody, and during its release, I got some close-up shots. I expected that to be a one-time event, but it seems that my homestead has become Rat Snake Central.
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.
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Last Thursday afternoon, I had just posted a comment about snakes in
this Daily Bucket by 6412093, who also goes by the more easily remembered nickname Redwoodman.
After commenting, I decided to wander around my yard, where I quickly came upon a large rat snake tangled in the netting that I had placed around a tomato plant. It was the only plant in the entire yard with netting, and the snake had found it.
What do you do with a snake that's between five and six feet long, and badly entangled in plastic mesh? Tools at my disposal included a shotgun, a hoe, a shovel, and scissors. The snake might well have been relieved that I chose none of the first three options. On the other hand, a pair of sharp scissors might not have appeared all that welcoming, either.
The loose netting was easily cut, and the snake barely moved as I began working. But some of the mesh was so tight against the snake's body that it was nearly cutting through the scales. I wasn't sure how to proceed here. I forced the tip of the scissors between the mesh and the snake's skin, and snipped. The snake barely moved, and I kept snipping.
The entire rescue probably took 10 or 15 minutes. There were minor setbacks when the snake began to slide forwards or backwards, entangling itself even more. Eventually the last strand yielded. You'd think that the snake would have seen enough of me, and would have bolted for the woods. Instead, it went straight for my house, slipped around the corner, and disappeared under the concrete steps at my front door.
Okay, that's two snake adventures in a short span of time. Shall we go for three? Of course!
Yesterday I was preparing to wash my truck when I spied yet another rat snake between the truck and a flower garden. This one was a mere baby, only about four feet long.
Rat snakes are rather tame around humans, a trait which has certainly led many to be killed by the less enlightened members of our species. I went into the house to get the camera. Upon my return, the snake was still in the same spot. Even when I stuck the camera near its face, it calmly held its ground.
This snake had a mark near its left eye, which apparently is an injury that has healed. The mark is distinctive enough that it would aid in identifying the snake if I see it again.
Let's follow the snake as it explores the rocks and potted plants surrounding the flower bed.
Okay, now it's time to go home.
The odd looking plant the snake was exploring is called a fishbone cactus (Selenicereus anthonyanus) Once or twice each year, it produces blossoms like this:
If this diary has not met your daily quota of snake images, feel free to post a few of your own. As always, your observations of the natural world - with or without snakes - is welcomed.
"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.