Snake handler Jack Bibby is once again in the news after being bitten for the 12th time by a rattlesnake. Bibby even lost a leg to one of the snakebites, but still continues to wrangle the critters despite his previous injuries and deformities. According to Newsfix, Bibby is next heading to Big Springs, Texas, for the 2013 rattlesnake roundup – an annual “event” that massacres as many rattlesnakes as they can find.
This news brings to mind an incident we experienced several years ago while delivering a presentation at a state park in northeastern Colorado. Amidst farmland and grassland, many of the attendees were farmers and their families. We presented our usual program that discusses why many people are afraid of snakes, what good are snakes, and what to do if you happen upon one of the slithery serpents. We also stress leaving these creatures alone to go about their business, as well as not harming them in any way.
After the program, as we were packing up, a big burly farmer approached our table, twiddling a toothpick that hung loosely from his lips. His faded, well-used overalls clearly marked him as the real thing, fresh from his work in the fields.
“I saw me a snake on the road one time,” he said as he slowly twirled the toothpick in his mouth.
Oh, oh, I thought.
“Yep,” he continued, his eyes locked on mine, toothpick still twirling. “I saw that snake, and I stopped my pickup.”
I don’t think I want to hear this, my mind shouted.
“And I got out of my pickup and went to the back of the truck………………..
Oh, god!
“……………and got me a shovel.”
How do I get this guy to stop?
“Yep. I got that shovel, and I took it to the front of my pickup.”
Here it comes…………..
“And I took that shovel……………..”
I really don’t want to hear the rest of this!
“……………..and I shooed the little snake from the road so he wouldn’t get hurt!”
Say what? Did I hear him right? I stood with my mouth agape staring at this huge farmer for some time before finally extending my hand to shake his. “Good for you!” I exclaimed.
It just goes to show that there are some intelligent people in this world who are willing to extend themselves to help a misunderstood creature without harassing it or using it for grandstanding. Hats off to all the farmers and others who protect snakes and other wildlife that all have an important role in an ecosystem!