A tale of two snakes and why they were allowed to live (not political)

Austin American Statewsman ^ | 5.10.2009 | Mike Leggett

[wolfcreek]

I was responding to some Southeasterners. That's where the Eastern rattlers live.

I'm quite aware how big Western (south Texas) rattlers can get.

I saw a Steve Irwin program where he was *playing* with Easterns and telling why they were some of the most aggressive and dangerous rattlers.

[Eaker]

Hognose play possum when threaten. Scary to look at but very sweet little snakes that can live on toads alone.

I caught one once when I was working on my compost heap. He popped up right between my feet and I grabbed him behind the head to keep from being bitten. Carried him through the house yelling for the wife to get the Peterson Field Guide which she finally did. Found out he didn’t bite and he lived with us for years.

[Ditter]

The kids are 45 and 35 years old, they are taking care of themselves. I still hate snakes.

[wolfcreek]

Hey Eaker, what kind of snake was that Humblegunner killed?

[wolfcreek]

I saw that show.

[Eaker]

After discussing the long version with him on the phone we are both positive that it was a moccasin.

No doubts.

[wolfcreek]

That’s what I thought too. (from the pictures)

Thanks!

[spetznaz]

LOL. Yeah, I remember that. I came across that old post a year or so ago (for some reason all old posts seemed to disappear from FR some time last year ...when the servers were going down every day).

The Mamba fascinates me ...it actually LOOKS lethal. Sure, many venomous snakes look dangerous - but there is something about the Mamba that would even make an Alien from Mars realize there was 'something' about that snake. Also, when you are on a game drive and you see one cross the road ...it makes you treasure and count your breaths from that moment.

As for the story ...well, I would not be surprised if there were breeding populations of venomous snakes in the US (the warmer parts). So far we hear of the pythons in the Everglades (primarily because Burmese pythons are quite popular). However, sooner or later some person will relase several exotic venomous serpents, and it will be interesting.

Oh, as for the story. It had to do with a loose Mamba someone kept in their home that got lose. Interestingly, a couple years ago a fireman got killed by a Gaboon Viper (an African viper that has the longest fangs of any snake in the world, and venom that would curdle your thoughts) when he went into some person's home for some reason (maybe an emergency?) and the snake had gotten loose. Well, it bit him, and there was no anti-venin available.

LEt's just say it is one of those cases where suicide would seem attractive (Google the effects of Gaboon viper venom ....let's just say there are far better ways to die).

Hey ...have a great day FRiend. Stay blessed.

[Arrowhead1952]

Ping

[Savage Beast]

It might have been the same snake. I saw it on different days in the same general location--once hiking--once on a bicycle. It was coiled both times, and I didn't get close enough for a really good look--but that was a BIG.....well! It rattled at me, so its identity was not in doubt. It occurred to me that it could be a pregnant female or a snake that had just finished a big meal, but whether or no--that thing was SCARY! I'd hate to chance upon one like that by accident.

Another time--another place--I saw a small copperhead in the middle of a paved road. As I was watching it from a distance, a truck stopped. A man got out and said: "Copperhead." Then he picked it up, held a glass jar under its fangs, and milked some venom out. "Venom," he said. I asked him what he was going to do with it. He said: "Take it back to the office and show it to everybody." Then he got in his truck with the snake and left.

Once, after an afternoon on a rock island in the middle of a mountain river, as my wife and I started back to the riverbank, I saw the head of a water moccasin protruding from behind a rock, just where she was about to step. Instinctively I grabbed her arm. Just as instinctively, she turned and ran the other way. I threw sticks at it, but it only recoiled and didn't go away. After some time, I waded through the water, some distance from the snake, carrying my wife piggyback.

Needless to say, I don't like snakes. ~S

[Savage Beast]

BTW, I’ve never seen a coral snake in the wild. Have you? Anybody?

[txhurl]

I read somewhere once where black mambas were used as murder weapons. You take a female, pulverize her girl bits with oil, then drip a track up into your victim’s bed.

The male will follow it and kill your NBFF when he wakes up to deal with the snake.

[bert]

The events occurred in daylight. Aren’t rattlesnakes nocturnal?

[txhurl]

Can you post the reasons you’re sure it was a moc please Sir?

Cause I would have collected that snake based on what I’ve read about it.

I’m a fan of anything blue: chickens, dogs, birds, bugs.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

Yep, all the time. go turn over some logs. You'll find some look alike King snakes too. Coral snakes aren't much danger unless you do something stupid, they have rear fangs in a small mouth, and don't strike like the vipers do.

Just pay attention.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

There is no firm rule, they may move around at any time.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

Most of the “mocs” that get killed turn out to be harmless Brown Banded Water snakes or some other harmless variety. Snakes seem to have the power to turn usually rational people into blithering idiots.

[wolfcreek]

Here in central Texas I’ve seen them day and night.

[Savage Beast]

Thanks for the response. This reminds me of True Evil--a page turner by highly intelligent Greg Iles. ("True evil has a face you know and a voice you trust.") The killer knows snakes, finds a coral snake--under or near a log, if I remember correctly--and uses it as a murder weapon. I can't put Greg's books down.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

Coral snakes are shy and secretive, and non aggressive, you really have to screw up bad to get one to bite you.