View Full Version : AHH! Stupid snake...
Yesterday during my morning hike (near my home in southern Virginia) I heard something rattling in the leaves. When I stopped and looked down, I was practically standing on top of what I thought was a timber rattler. When I backed away, it took off and I realized that it was just a black snake -- the rattle had come from its tail shaking against the leaves, acorns, etc.
Anyway, the point is that warm temperatures are bringing some animals out of hibernation early, so watch where you step!
I just got back from a hike along the AT in New Jersey. We saw many garter snakes around Sunfish Pond. I wasn't expecting them this early, the temps were in the 50's.
Now when will the bears be out? I expected to see some already but nothing.
john gault
04-03-2007, 17:30
Last year during my hike I saw a black snake doing the same thing. He did not run off, so I was able to get a good look at his tail rattling. I've never heard of them doing this, but I got the impression they do this to mimic rattlesnakes; his tail seemed to be rattling just like a rattlesnake, except he had to hit it against the brush to get the sound.
Last year during my hike I saw a black snake doing the same thing. He did not run off, so I was able to get a good look at his tail rattling. I've never heard of them doing this, but I got the impression they do this to mimic rattlesnakes; his tail seemed to be rattling just like a rattlesnake, except he had to hit it against the brush to get the sound.
Yeah, I didn't realize they did it either -- it would have been pretty neat if it hadn't mimicked it so well!
Yes, watch where you step! They are getting ready for summer, and are out eating all sorts of insects and things - hopefully a few will head to the shelters and eat the mice there ( although I doubt that they do with the mouse population as it is at many.....)
RockStar
04-03-2007, 20:58
Don't feel bad, I think EVERYTHING is a snake. I actually was looking fwd to seeing them on my hike so I would stop being such a baby. My goal is to pick one up ...NOT a pit viper! Just a regular one. lol hehe I dont see them as a bad thing yet am so freakin terrified and creeped out by them. It makes no sense to me. I LOVE watching shows on the Nat. Geog/disc about them. Fascinating.
sherrill
04-04-2007, 00:01
RockStar, be careful, non pit vipers bite and it's every bit (pun intended) as painful. If you're not sure of what you're doing, leave them be, they don't deserve to be picked up just for the experience.
RockStar
04-04-2007, 00:57
BOOOOO lol Sweeeew*wipes forehead Glad you said that...I'm convinced! Was a nice thought but, I buy your reason and any other reasons not to touch them! ;)
Obsidian
04-04-2007, 04:32
I ran over a snake with my car (it was sunning on a back road in Kentucky) I called my friend freaking out I hit an animal and he laughed at me.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-04-2007, 06:51
Obsidian, I feel your pain. I live down south and hit two going / coming from the April Fools bash... Sometimes you can't avoid them. I managed to miss three more. I still get that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and tears in my eyes when I hit an animal, but sometimes it can't be avoided. They are plentiful and often not afraid of roadways / cars down south.
NICKTHEGREEK
04-04-2007, 06:51
I ran over a snake with my car (it was sunning on a back road in Kentucky) I called my friend freaking out I hit an animal and he laughed at me.
Did you run it over end to end or side to side? More points for end to end.
Today my Dad told me that years ago he was driving and a car in front of him ran over a snake. When he went past he heard a loud thump on the driver's door where the snake had struck his van.
That's one pissed off snake to attack an 'animal' the size of a van!