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ok... this is a pet issue. Rather than get all huffy about our citizens' seemingly overwhelming preponderance for fear/loathing/hate/ill-will for all natural things in my beloved southern ecosystem (and especially snakes) I thought I'd use this opportunity to spread a little knowledge and hopefully save a snake life or two...
I have a little quiz set up... can anyone identify which of the following North Carolina snakes are poisonous? Extra credit awarded for identification...
1. Ribbon snake (commonly confused w/ Garter)
2. Black racer (they look brown sometimes)
3. rat snake
4. green snake
5. water snake
6. worm snake
7. corn snake (as several knew)
8. common brown snake
9. another water snake (northern)
10. Kingsnake (red on black, friend of jack...)
Couple of you got several of them... your extra credit is the rep points I'm gonna award bandi gets big kudos for many correct identifications... but he also misidentified one as venemous.
Bottom line:
the likliehood of running into a snake is small... the chances of running into a venemous snake are even smaller. In fact, in all my years around Meck. Co., the ONLY venemous snake I've ever seen in the field is a copperhead. And the only places I've seen copperheads are way back in the woods.
I have lived around snakes all my life---from the mountains of CA, rattlesnakes a plenty, to the hills and pastures of NC. I've been here in rural NC 2 years now and have only seen friendly snakes! I am not really afraid of snakes I just show them respect. I do not believe in killing them unless they are a threat. My grandson is a true 4 year old boy---no fear and wants to pick up everything!! We just have to teach him snakes are not one of those things you pick up!
Thank you for all the great information regarding snakes. It's always good to learn about the critters around us!!
I am a bit curious about the friendly snakes. Did they welcome you to North Carolina and give you a welcome package? I have always thought that there would be a no better a companion than an old, housebroken, friendly snake. Just kidding, I know what you mean. I couldn't resist. I just haven't heard of snakes being refered to as friendly. (:
As said before, most snakes you'll find around here are harmless, and can be a "friend", especially if your'e a gardener and have rodent problems in your yard. There is a similar thread in the Triad forum if anyone's interested.
Most snakes around here you're more likely to see in a wooded area where there are alot of trees and pine needles than in some treeless subdivision. Also if you live near a lake or pond, be on the lookout for water snakes. Just always keep a few things in mind. Don't let your grass grow too high, take care of pest problems, and always wear shoes outside.
Okay, I'm still a greenhorn around here so can anyone answer a couple questions, please?
What venemous snakes are indigenous to the Mecklenburg area???
Where are we likely to run into them?
I just looked up the Wolf Spider a previous poster mentioned and it gave me the creeps.
Where are we likely to run into those little critters, too???
There is a creek right behind my house and my neighbor informed me to be careful of the snakes back there when doing my yardwork so I just want to know what to look for so I can be more careful. Thanks!
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