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dsafety · 05-07-2010, 07:13 PM

Snakes have gotten a bad rap throughout history. Many uninformed people think that all snakes are aggressive and dangerous. The truth is that most snakes are vary docile and perform a very valuable service in nature. Without snakes, our vermin population would explode.

In coastal Southern California, the only poisonous snake found in the wild is the rattlesnake. There are several species but they all look similar. EVERY OTHER TYPE OF SNAKE FOUND AROUND HERE IS NOT POISONOUS!

Excuse me for the bold print but it really bothers me when I see some crazed guy taking a hoe or shotgun to a gopher snake because he does not understand that this species and most others found around here are perfectly harmless.

Even rattlesnakes are fill an important role in the balance of nature. They may be poisonous but they seldom cause any trouble. They will not chase you down or eat your children. They are, like most snakes, very shy and avoid human contact. The only time humans and rattlesnakes have problems with one another is when someone accidentally steps on one of these snakes or if one of our pets decides to pick a fight.

Even then, a rattlesnake bite is seldom fatal. If you get bit, stay calm, call 911 and you will be fine. Antivenin injections are stocked in most emergency rooms and can quickly counteract the affects of a bite.

The relationship between humans and snakes is very similar to the ones between humans of different ethnic backgrounds, religions, and economic status. Ignorance often makes people behave badly.

The next time you see a snake, marvel at its beauty. If you can, turn the encounter into a teaching moment by letting your kids marvel along with you. If you raise your children to not be unrealistic fearful of snakes, a few may still be around when it is time to pass the lesson on to your grandchildren.

Sorry for the preaching but this is important to me.

Bob

05-07-2010, 07:13 PM	#17
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,121	Snakes and Fear Snakes have gotten a bad rap throughout history. Many uninformed people think that all snakes are aggressive and dangerous. The truth is that most snakes are vary docile and perform a very valuable service in nature. Without snakes, our vermin population would explode. In coastal Southern California, the only poisonous snake found in the wild is the rattlesnake. There are several species but they all look similar. EVERY OTHER TYPE OF SNAKE FOUND AROUND HERE IS NOT POISONOUS! Excuse me for the bold print but it really bothers me when I see some crazed guy taking a hoe or shotgun to a gopher snake because he does not understand that this species and most others found around here are perfectly harmless. Even rattlesnakes are fill an important role in the balance of nature. They may be poisonous but they seldom cause any trouble. They will not chase you down or eat your children. They are, like most snakes, very shy and avoid human contact. The only time humans and rattlesnakes have problems with one another is when someone accidentally steps on one of these snakes or if one of our pets decides to pick a fight. Even then, a rattlesnake bite is seldom fatal. If you get bit, stay calm, call 911 and you will be fine. Antivenin injections are stocked in most emergency rooms and can quickly counteract the affects of a bite. The relationship between humans and snakes is very similar to the ones between humans of different ethnic backgrounds, religions, and economic status. Ignorance often makes people behave badly. The next time you see a snake, marvel at its beauty. If you can, turn the encounter into a teaching moment by letting your kids marvel along with you. If you raise your children to not be unrealistic fearful of snakes, a few may still be around when it is time to pass the lesson on to your grandchildren. Sorry for the preaching but this is important to me. Bob Last edited by dsafety; 05-07-2010 at 08:34 PM.