snake danger?????

I had said that I was going to have more information about the snakes here.  Each time I go to the base I try to meet with the wildlife people and see what is new in their quest to protect and relocate any snakes that are found either on the base or in the living areas.  Warren, one of the wildlife managers loves to educate on these snakes.  He truly likes finding them, protecting them and moving them to a safe environment.  Therefore, he is a great asset here to educate us about them.....I learned that the python has infrared openings to find prey at night....and he is pointing this out to me as we held the snake.  I must say, the only other pythons I have ever seen were accustomed to being around humans and therefore not as anxious.  This one is very wild and so he had to catch it's head and it hissed really loudly when touched. This is a smaller python of only 5 1/2 feet. He also said he needed to keep hold of the tail or it would pee on him and leave a terrible smell.....Glad he knows all this and that his desire is to help us gain an awareness about these creatures so he doesn't do anything to frighten either the snake or us.

This time I saw and held both a python and a small common brown house snake.  Warren did say that it is likely that at some time we may find this smaller snake in our homes.....I think 'common' has to do with the finding it commonly in houses...not just that it is everywhere but who knows....This was a very small snake....perhaps only 12-18 inches long but when Warren was teaching me about it, this little snake bit his fingers many times.....and it has such small teeth that it didn't break the skin.....I was surprised that Warren was unconcerned about this behavior and I suppose this is because he knew that it would not harm him.

Because we are growing a garden and want it to be organic, I spoke to Warren about composting.....he recommended that we don't because this will draw rodents and that will draw snakes....and mostly the puff adder that he finds frequently in the area.  Remember, this is the fastest striking snake....and does not let you know it is there.....and is easily camouflaged so quite dangerous.  I am going to follow his advice and not compost.

So I have had one more reminder that danger is all around.  I would like it if all snakes would stand up like a cobra to let me know it is there.....just as I would like it if all danger was so obvious....but, in fact, most danger is hidden and I must pay close attention to what is around me.   I have a real fear of snakes but have decided that it is important to overcome my fears and educate myself on the things that frighten me.  I know that just because I have held these snakes, I still must have a healthy respect for all snakes.  I will not pretend that I might actually be able to identify the non poisonous ones from the ones that are dangerous.

Now, have you heard about the acid bugs?????