FarmI wrote:
"a_nonny_mouse" wrote in message
...
FarmI wrote:
"phil..c" wrote in message
wrote:
On Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:15:00 +1100, "FarmI" ask@itshall be given
wrote:
Are there any amateur herpitologists reading here?
Yesterday just after having spent hours working in a particular spot,
I saw a Tiger Snake there. When I told my husband he said, "But he's
such a friendly snake".
grin A sense of humour ;-)
(And to think I've been married to this goose of a man for nearly 40 years!)
Anyway, I was telling a neighbour this tale of husband silliness and
they said that snakes are cranky at the moment as it's breeding
season. My response was that I thought they bred earlier in the
season. Neighbour then said that it could be that they are shedding
their skins now and that is why they are cranky. I checked with a
friend whose son has pythons and she said they do get cranky when they
shed their skins and that she once had to help to wrestle a snake into
a bathtub to aid it when it failed to shed as it should and it got
super cranky.
The sum total of this all these exchanges made me realise that
although I frequently see snakes, I don't know lot about them. I
know a fair amount about the birds and other animals aroudn here but
not snakes.
Does anyone know anythign about the life cycle of snakes? Or a good
book on the subject?
It'll probably be one with "SNAKES" in the title.... (:-))
also would have been helpful if you informed us where *here* is
If anyone reading my post is too stupid to figure out that since I'm
asking a question about snakes in the Australian garden group and so must
be interested in Australian snakes then they are clearly too stupid to
give a cogent response.
With due respect, that was an uncalled for response!
You don't mean any "due respect" at all, so cut the hypocricy given what you
go on to say in the last line of your post.
Well ... I did actually
But I am not one to contradict a lady ;-P
At last look, Australia was a land of some 3000km by 2700 km (I won't
argue discrepancies in these figures)
Should have read in "miles", not "kms"
Old age confusion.
And! there were different species of animals and reptiles in different
areas.
Methinks the responders question was quite reasonable and definitely did
not deserve such a reply from OP. In my opinion the only one who could be
considered stupid would be .... well I'll leave that open to
interpretation ;-0
Yep, as you surmise!
Last line means I was open to a question of being stupid for buying into
this one
How did you read it?
Try rereading what I wrote in my original post.
I did; several times before responding!
Was not sure if your were "taking the mickey"
I wrote about seeing a Tiger Snake.
Yep - coastal Australia
Somewhere between Brisbane and north of Perth - some 3000 miles direct
(Perth-Brisbane) or whatever you wish to measure it as around the coast.
THAT tells my location to anyone who knows anything about snakes.
You are correct; your enquiry pinpoints your location ;-)
I live in an area reknown for Tiger snakes.
Yep; I shot one on my back verandah
Was hiding under a child's toy car!
Therefore you are located in Western Australia!
Somewhere from the mid-west down to the south west.
Or didn't you notice that I was asking for a response from someone who
actually either knew something about snakes or books on snakes?
Google is your friend ;-)
eg tiger snake location
"The common tiger snake is found in southern and eastern Australia. They
are usually around a metre long, and have a striped marking (hence the
name Tiger Snake). This is not always the case however, as the markings
can change due to the seasons and the age of the snake. They can grow up
to 1.5 metres in length.
These are venomous snakes, and will attack if they are disturbed or
threatened. Otherwise, they can live quietly. They are also often
territorial, and will live in the same area for years. They are also
found in suburban areas, even in the newer suburbs.
One elderly women was bitten by a tiger snake while she pruned the ivy
on her fence, in Kew (an inner suburb of Melbourne, in 2003). Death
resulted from this bite. However this is quite rare these days, as anti
venene is readily available.
These snakes feed on all types of creatures, they happily feed on frogs,
fish, small birds and other small mammals. They also eat other reptiles
such as lizards.
Tiger Snake related websites: "
==================
OR (from the same enquiry):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_snake
and surprise!!
"Habitat
Tiger snakes are found in coastal environments, wetlands, and creeks
where they often form territories. Areas with an abundance of prey, such
as frogs, can support large populations. The species' distribution
extends from the south of Western Australia through to South Australia,
Tasmania, up through Victoria, and New South Wales. Its common habitat
includes the coastal areas of Australia."
================
AND on BREEDING (from Google):
tiger snake breeding
"Breeding
Sexual actvity is sporadic throughout summer and reaches a peak in late
January and February. Mating may last for up to 7 hours, the female
occasionally dragging the male about. Males don't eat during periods of
sexual activity. Females stop eating 3-4 weeks before giving birth.
Female litter sizes have been recorded as high as 126 young, and litter
size is often related to female body size. Tiger snakes from small
islands produce fewer, larger young. Baby tiger snakes when born are 215
- 270 mm in length. Females produce young at best every second year.
There is no maternal care amongst Tiger snakes. Tiger snakes do not
become more aggressive during the breeding season, but a male snake
tracking a female may well have his mind on other things and may be more
easily surprised or be in an unfamiliar environment. He may consequently
be more nervous if disturbed."
==============
Trust this helps in answering your question and meets your needs?
Apologies! did not mean to upset you.
annonnymouse
PS: apologies also to jonno. Did not pick up on the "goose" aspect and
did not set out to cause a ruckus! (or stir the family pot)