Rat snake in the yard!
PKponder TX Z7B
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
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Oh NO a Snakeeeeeeeeeeeee
Comments (22)I live in a pole house, the bottom being closed-in garage. A few years back, as I walked into the kitchen, something @ the window caught my eye. A rather looong rat snake had draped himself across the window screen. It took me a second to figure if he was inside or out....fortunately he was outside. I went outside & stuck my head around the corner to have a look. He was close to 4' long. Certainly not something I was expecting to see 10' off the ground. Last week we saw a 5' rat snake crawling across the back yard. In spite of being 'helpful' snakes, that site is still startling. DH was clearing some brush yesterday when he uncovered a 4' cottonmouth. The brush hog took care of it. This area is notorious for cottonmouths. We've seen some doozies.....one was as big around as my forearm (he'd been run over on the highway). A couple years ago, I'd taken my poodledog for a potty walk when I spotted a snake on the fenceline. I yanked the leash and the dog came off the ground as I took off running. When DH came to investigate, he discovered the only reason the snake hadn't struck was because it had a baby rabbit in it's mouth :( Several years back, I was driving down the highway from my DDs house, doing around 65 mph when I noticed something across the road ahead of me. I figured somebody had lost a fan belt or some such. When I got about a car's length from it, it reared up about 3' off the pavement. It was a whip snake. I swerved & missed it, but to this day, that image makes my skin crawl. I know they have their purpose, but I must have been given a double dose of enmity, because no matter how small or harmless, they always creep me out....See MoreWhen are black rat snakes most active?
Comments (2)During hot weather, I've caught the most Ratsnakes in the evening or dusk hours, or in the early morning just before daylight. At that time, they are more likely to be out crossing highways. It's the same with Cornsnakes. In cooler weather, you're more likely to find them out in the middle of the day. If you have anything flat lying around on the ground, like pieces of tin or plywood, check under it, since snakes like to hide under stuff like that during the day. Also, be alert to the behavior of wild birds in your yard, especially if you have Bluejays, Thrashers, or Mockingbirds, since they will raise an immense ruckus if they spot a snake! I've actually caught more snakes by going to where I heard a big commotion among the wild bird population than by any other means. Jays actually have a distinct alarm call for "SNAKE" that is different from their "CAT" or "HAWK" call, believe it or not. Sharon McKenzie...See MoreMy rat snakes are like a bunch of chickens...
Comments (2)I was poised for a photo of rat snakes all waiting for you to toss seed to them.Joking of course....See MoreTeen shoots self trying to kill snake
Comments (4)I guess they have guns just laying around in case they are needed? A shovel would have worked just as well....See MorePKponder TX Z7B
6 years agoPKponder TX Z7B
6 years ago
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