Large Cottonmouth Moccasin
Those of you who frequently read my blogs know that I am a nature lover. Living on a small horse farm in North Florida, not far from some swampy land, one of the things you become accustomed to is the presence of snakes. Snakes serve a vital role in a balanced environment, for they rid the area of many nasty predators like rats and mice and the overwhelming majority are non-poisonous, and yes, their bite still hurts but it is not like that of a poisonous one. When it comes to poisonous snakes, we have both cottonmouth moccasins and timber rattlers and thankfully rattlers are in far shorter supply than moccasins. Rattlers can strike with a deadly bite while most moccasin bites ae not nearly as powerful as rattlers, although they can put you in an intensive care unit of the hospital and keep you off schedule for several weeks if struck. And the anti-venom needed for treatment is quite expensive due to being in short supply.
Knowing those things above as I do, as I go to the barn each day from this time of year through early November, I always check around including each stall. I always make my inspection of the stalls before walking in because if a poisonous snake is in the corner, I would have to go by him to get out and they can be from time to time very aggressive. Well, yesterday was one of those days when there were three snakes with two in one stall and another, much smaller in the next one over. The sun was hot so they escaped it to keep their body temperature regulated as they were lying on the pine shavings. The two large ones were involved with some kind of sensual kabuki dance while writhing together and I realized it was the mating dance. Then they saw me and disappeared over to the stall where the third, smaller snake was lying. Curious, I walked around to the other doorway and peered in. The two larger snakes ignored him, doing their thing as taught by nature and all was quiet for a moment. But what was going to happen? I wanted to know so I kept watching with curiosity.
A few minutes later, the smaller snake began to slither toward the larger ones and ingratiated himself to their writhing mass. All was well for awhile until the big male stopped and looked back at the little snake. The little guy looked up and held his ground and finally BAM!!!!! The big snake struck him with rapid speed and then slowly swallowed the little snake head first and I watched until the final wiggling tip of the poor snake's tail went down the hatch.
So what is the moral of this true little tale. Well, it's this. Don't be the little guy on a farm for it doesn't work out too well. But of even more importance is this. Snake or human, don't interrupt the snake mating call. It won't be something you will ever want to do again unless you use stealth and have a weapon or shovel in your hands. And a mistake would likely cost you a couple of days in intensive care with a lot of pain and suffering and a big fat medical bill. Now having said that, I still will take farm life over the city any day, for the rewards of peace and quiet and the scenic serenity along the way always makes it worthwhile. I will gladly recommend, however, to each his own. God bless you all and have a glorious day. Just another day, down on the farm.
Knowing those things above as I do, as I go to the barn each day from this time of year through early November, I always check around including each stall. I always make my inspection of the stalls before walking in because if a poisonous snake is in the corner, I would have to go by him to get out and they can be from time to time very aggressive. Well, yesterday was one of those days when there were three snakes with two in one stall and another, much smaller in the next one over. The sun was hot so they escaped it to keep their body temperature regulated as they were lying on the pine shavings. The two large ones were involved with some kind of sensual kabuki dance while writhing together and I realized it was the mating dance. Then they saw me and disappeared over to the stall where the third, smaller snake was lying. Curious, I walked around to the other doorway and peered in. The two larger snakes ignored him, doing their thing as taught by nature and all was quiet for a moment. But what was going to happen? I wanted to know so I kept watching with curiosity.
A few minutes later, the smaller snake began to slither toward the larger ones and ingratiated himself to their writhing mass. All was well for awhile until the big male stopped and looked back at the little snake. The little guy looked up and held his ground and finally BAM!!!!! The big snake struck him with rapid speed and then slowly swallowed the little snake head first and I watched until the final wiggling tip of the poor snake's tail went down the hatch.
So what is the moral of this true little tale. Well, it's this. Don't be the little guy on a farm for it doesn't work out too well. But of even more importance is this. Snake or human, don't interrupt the snake mating call. It won't be something you will ever want to do again unless you use stealth and have a weapon or shovel in your hands. And a mistake would likely cost you a couple of days in intensive care with a lot of pain and suffering and a big fat medical bill. Now having said that, I still will take farm life over the city any day, for the rewards of peace and quiet and the scenic serenity along the way always makes it worthwhile. I will gladly recommend, however, to each his own. God bless you all and have a glorious day. Just another day, down on the farm.
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