Locating snakes, we find, is more difficult than spotting lizards. Over a period of a couple weeks, we’ve seen three rattlesnakes, two patchnose snakes, a coachwhip, and a gopher snake. On just one two-hour hike, however, we observed seven different species of lizards.
Betty
Snakes after Dark
One activity Chuck and I enjoy this time of year at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge is driving the road in the evening, searching for snakes that have slithered out to take advantage of pavement that holds warmth from the day’s high temperatures. Although we hadn’t seen a snake for some time, tonight we went trolling for wildlife.
Snake Doctor
By the time a snake or other reptile appears ill, it is usually too late to treat it. Because their metabolism is slow, they don’t react quickly to medication. So when our gartersnake, Karma, developed a lump near her stomach area, we debated whether or not to take her to the veterinarian.
Education Tarantula
Earlier this year while driving through Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, we encountered a tarantula crossing the road. Instead of moving it to safety, we collected the spider and placed him on display in the visitor center.
Be a Volunteer in Demand
Five years of volunteering at national wildlife refuges has brought my husband Chuck and me into contact with many other volunteers whom we’ve enjoyed working with and living near in our RVs.
The Owl and the Scorpion (part 4)
Recently we once again met with Arizona Western College (AWC) professor and veterinarian Cecilia Vigil to discover the progress of the great horned owl brought there for rehabilitation.
Snakes: Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em?
Author’s note: This article originally appeared at eNature.com and is republished here with their kind permission. The information within reflects many of our views.
Ophidiophobia is an irrational fear of snakes. Many people, perhaps a majority, claim to have a loathing or dislike of these limbless reptiles. Why do snakes get such a bad rap?