Blogging from A to Z April Challenge: V is for Vine Snake

 

Above is a picture of a Vine Snake taken by me at Alligator Alley. It was a sunny day so I apologize for the glare.

It is a venomous snake whose venom is not fatal. However, if one was bitten it would not be enjoyable. Symptoms could last three days. Pain, swelling, bruising and discomfort would be the symptoms. 

We are in the final week of the challenge  and I hope to share a few more reptiles with you!

Blogging from A to Z April Challenge: C is for Cottonmouth

(Cottonmouth photo Mike Spain)

The Cottonmouth is a venomous, pit viper native to the southeastern United States.  Fun fact the Cottonmouth is the only semiaquatic viper in the world.

(Cottonmouth in the water, photo by Mike Spain)

The snake earned it's name due to a defense behavior where it will open it's mouth. It is a warning it might bite. It would prefer the threat would just leave it alone.

The Cottonmouth is known by many names and is also good at hiding.

Can you see the snake in this picture? (picture by Mike Spain)

If you come across this snake in the wild, it is best to observe from a distance. Do not handle! The snake doesn't want to eat you, you are too big and not on it's menu. If the snake bites you it will ruin your day. At the minimum it will hurt and could be fatal. If bitten seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Stay tuned as the A to Z Challenge will resume on Monday. What reptile will I choose for D? 

 

A to Z: S is for snakes

Today is Earth Day so it would be fitting that I blog about an animal. Today's subject is snakes. Some people find snakes neat and interesting animals. A lot of people find snakes to be terrifying serpents. I tend to find them interesting creatures who deserve respect like most wild animals.

I try to share this with my kids. Earlier this month my daughter had the opportunity to hold an albino Burmese Python.



My daughter's mom was not impressed with me letting her hold the snake. She tends to be on  the terrifying serpents point of view. Looking at my daughter's smile she appears to be enjoying holding the snake.

Where we live it is not uncommon to see snakes. I've told her to be on the lookout for them, If she sees one to leave it alone and come get me, Because I want to see the snake!



It is important to observe what is around you.  I take my daughter fishing and swimming and humans are not the only ones who enjoy fishing and swimming.

I believe a healthy respect of animals is important than an unhealthy fear.Worse is someone who doesn't have any fear and quite a bit of foolishness.

Here is an article about someone who was bitten by a Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) because they found one and kept it on their bed in a pillow case. I wouldn't even recommend doing that with a non-venomous snake.

Venomous snakes inject venom which caused the guy to go to the hospital. Snake venom can kill people! A python like the one my daughter is holding is a constrictor which kills it's prey by squeezing it to death. Snakes have teeth! Just because a snake is not venomous or a large constrictor it should be treated with respect,

Have you had any experiences with snakes? Have a favorite snake? Do you think they are neat? Do you fear them?

Thanks for visiting!