specifically, after reading on the internet about Tennessee snakes of which
the copperhead is one after the encounter I had at Lowes last year with the
snake I removed for them.............copperheads are the ONLY snakes that
are CURIOUS. It's their nature. DOn't know why, but that's what the site
said about them............hate you had to off him/her, but don't blame you
because of his poisonious nature. And he/she was also responsible for
removal of rodents and such. The only threat to a copperhead is a black
snake. Learned that on the website too....................I tend to like all
my critters around here, but a rattler or copperhead is something I wouldn't
want because I have the occaisonal visitation of grandchildren...........but
I have a resident black snake now so hopefully my small woods are cleared of
the copper beauties now.
madgardener
"mypet" wrote in message
om...
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.