“Please be careful!” the alert on my phone read, sent through Ring doorbell to our neighborhood from someone living in the area. “HUGE rattlesnake spotted. Was out with my dogs and they were barking by our trash cans. My husband had to kill the snake before it got to our babies.”
My Response
Needless to say, this post infuriated me! I responded immediately. “Too bad to kill the snake. You could keep your dogs on a leash and walk around this important predator.”
Snake Program
When we present our snake program, we always mention, “Most people who are bitten by a snake are either trying to kill it or harm it or otherwise bother it.” Not only was this lady’s husband destroying a valuable part of nature, he was also putting himself at risk of a snakebite from an animal attempting to defend itself.
Identify the Snake
But was it a rattlesnake? A harmless gopher snake puts on an impressive imitation of a rattlesnake, both in camouflage and in actions. And no matter what kind of snake it is, it has no interest in biting anything it cannot eat. The fact that the dogs were barking and, perhaps, lunging toward the snake put the snake on guard, which is the other reason a snake will bite — to defend itself.
Snake Removal
If someone wants a snake removed from their property, it is best to contact an organization trained in snake removal. They have the experience and equipment to relocate the animal without harm to themselves or the snake. To manage this situation, call the fire department or organizations such as Rattlesnake Solutions, which operates in the Phoenix area of Arizona.
Other Native Critters
Snakes aren’t the only animal that people take exception to. We’ve had alerts about a coyote walking down the street, as well as alerts of a stray bobcat prowling the area. Not long ago, a bobcat was killed by a neighbor just for appearing in their line of sight. But we know neighbors who take precautions with their pets by keeping them on a leash, remaining observant of their surroundings, and even carrying a deterrent to chase away any aggressive wildlife behavior.
People moved into this habitat that once sheltered and fed wildlife. It would behoove us to try to live in harmony with these critters!
All I can say is AMEN to all of the above! Respecting nature and our place in it is something that is sadly lacking in people’s education.
Maybe someone will happen on to your post and think about our not being the masters of nature.
Jeanne, your comments echo exactly what we’ve been trying to educate our fellow humans for years. You’re right…hopefully the comments will resonate with all who encounter a misunderstood neighbor! Many thanks for your insight!