I was flagging existing corners along the boundary between an existing unit of a subdivision and the future development area last Friday when I found this guy guarding one of the pins. Usually these rat snakes are eager to leave once startled but this one was defending his turf. Couldn't convince him to leave quietly so I pinned him down with the shovel for a photo op. After that he beat a hasty retreat.
EEEEEF. Snake. 😐 +o( :-S
Is that snake poisonous or?? You guys sure find the craziest things out there in the field. 🙂
looks like he had just shed his old skin?
>
> Is that snake poisonous or??
not to worry, that is just a black snake / rat snake. they are not poisonous. best thing to do when you find one is leave him be.
Don't they feed on rats? 🙁
I hate snakes! Give me a brown bear anytime, I can see them.
I didn't see it nearby, but maybe that's why he was so ornery. Usually I only catch a glimpse of these as they slither away but this guy coiled up as soon as he spotted me and refused to leave.
> looks like he had just shed his old skin?
Gordon... I think that's old sunwashed flagging...
> Don't they feed on rats? 🙁
Yes. 🙁
> I hate snakes!
Me too!!! Well, I don't mind the small garden snakes...they kept the bugs out of my garden. Anything bigger though and I cringe. EEEEKS!!!! 😐
Yes, I think you are right. Black snakes can be ornery and do not like to be disturbed. I once was walking on a path behind the house, looking at a part I was holding, and noticed what I thought was a hose across the path, so I stepped over it. As I was mid step I realized it was a long black snake, and he wasn't the one that ended up moving quickly.:-)
> Yes, I think you are right. Black snakes can be ornery and do not like to be disturbed. I once was walking on a path behind the house, looking at a part I was holding, and noticed what I thought was a hose across the path, so I stepped over it. As I was mid step I realized it was a long black snake, and he wasn't the one that ended up moving quickly.:-)
Worst thing about them around here is they smell like garbage and their mouths are like the dirtiest dumpster you've even seen. If you get bit by a black snake I've heard it won't hurt, but you better get it cleaned out by a Doc or ER because you are about guaranteed to get a nasty infection. For the record, I HATE SNAKES!! But I used to have a co-worker that loved to badger and fool with them... used to really pisss me off... not just for riling up the snake, but just for the time that he would wasted doing it...
This is the weirdest post - My cat got bit by a snake about 2 weeks ago.
He came home acting weird and friendly. Then I noticed that he was bleeding.
Rubbed some triple antibiotic on him and all was well.
The next day his hair fell out and you could see it. He was fine though.
About 2 weeks later it got a bad infection. Of course he swells up on a Sunday, "Hi Dr. want to make more than a Surveyor?" Just kidding...
Anyhow we will see how he is in a week...
Snake bites are known to be nasty.
