Monday, October 24, 2011

A Happier Snake Tail

Emma has not only taken my place at my old school, she has also taken on the mantle of "Snake Go To Person" ... a title formerly owned by me.

The chief of maintenance just switched from calling me to calling Em whenever there is a snake to deal with on campus.
That actually happens quite often on the forest surrounded campus.
This time it was a tiny kindergarter.


Pretty dang cute.
What a squirmer!
I could hardly hang on to him for a few photos before releasing him in the snake-heaven known as PFHQ.

I get all nostalgic when it comes to garter snakes. They were the first snakes I captured and kept as a boy.


They don't make the greatest snake pet and never seem to totally  tame down like a ratsnake or kingsnake. I never kept them long for that reason.


Even so, seeing one always take me back to a big pickle jar containing some leaves and dirt, with a fresh caught garter snake peering out, and a little boy peering in.

18 comments:

Funder said...

Squeeeee, tiny baby garter snakes are *so cute*!

Heather M. said...

They sure are little cuties, I have fond memories of them as well. :) When I was a young girl my dad constantly caught them and would bring them to my brother and I to check out. I truly believe that Dad doing that is what raised us to not have snake hatred, and my brother and I both as adults now have a lot of affection (and respect) for snakes. I really enjoy your entries with Zick by the way.

Pablo said...

Okay, the little snake is cute. Obviously, this post is calling out for a photo of FC as a boy too.

R.Powers said...

Funder,
Seriously squeeee material.

Heather,
Thanks for those thoughts. I think your Dad did exactly the right thing with those snakes. Good job, Dad!

Pablo,
Actually, somewhere at Mom's there's a picture of me at Silver Springs with an indigo snake draped around my 12 year old neck.
Must find.

Caroline said...

I have a welcome Plains garter snake clan that lives in a backyard rock pile. They are most welcome.

Dani said...

Break out the old pics!

Dani said...

Just read that your Dad took a fall. How is he doing?

Thunder said...

We used to find garter snakes and box turtles (I know they're actually a tortoise). Hey I was looking through the new Snake book that Lightnin gavbe me and I think what I saw down there in our jungle was a hooded snake. The color, size, habits, and habitat are pretty much dead on.

Thunder said...

OK a Crowned snake, not a hooded snake! And the other one was definitely an Indigo.

I'll have years to get more practice at this! ;-)

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Aawwwww isn't it cute. I just love babies.

Dani said...

Ditto Lisa.

lisa said...

So, cute. Now those I don't mind having around ;)

Anonymous said...

Very cute snake. I love that Emma is the new you on the old campus!

kathy a. said...

cute! and yes, it is great that emma is the new you!

hope your dad is OK, if the above inquiry is accurate.

R.Powers said...

Sorry for slow posting.
Crazy busy here.
I was away for 4 days just before grades were due at the end of the 9 weeks, ACK!
I think I can see the light now.

Thunder said...

Hang in there Buddy!

MACMAN said...

Sometimes on my swim with the dolphins tour, I take people into the everglades because they want to see alligators and snakes. You have some great photos of snakes and your blog makes me realize how much people enjoy and respect snakes.

creditkeeper said...

That has to be the cutest garter snake images ever! Nice work on those, gives me a new appreciation for snakes.