On 4 May 2003 18:16:31 -0700, (mypet) wrote:

I have read all the posts that snakes have as much right to be here as
us and that they are helpful in keeping down the rodent population and
I suppose that's true. I have read about leaving snakes alone and
they will avoid humans.
Now, THAT, I am finding not to be true. I have been out in the middle
of our yard twice only to look up and find a copperhead coming to keep
me company. Mind you, this is not in the wooded areas, but in the
neatly trimmed and no shrubbery part of the yard. I was just spading
and turning over some soil. No machinery running, no water running
and no rodents at my feet for bait. My apologies to the
herpetologists, but I felt assassination of the offender was the best
route to take.
Why is this happening? What would make a snake want to hang out with
the shovel-wielding gardener? What can I do to keep it from happening
again? Has anyone on the list ever ascertained that sulfur and
mothballs really work in keeping them away? If so, what is the recipe
for the mix?
On the rodent thing, we have a large hawk and cat population here so
that I would think the rodent population is being maintained rather
well. The hawks are so effective that I have never seen a rabbit here
in 12 years. The hawks were driving me crazy, but I have come to enjoy
their company as long as they aren't swooping at me during nesting
season. The snake and I will never reach such an understanding, so
suggestions are very welcome.

Copperheads are common in my lawn, and I live in the middle of the
city. There are also rat snakes, much larger than copperheads, which
eat them. I've seen a rat snake under my deck, well over 6 feet
long. Copperheads can kill a dog or child, but it can certainly make
an adult sick. The venom is not particularly potent. Just make sure
you look before you step, and don't put your hand into or under
anything where you havn't looked first.