snake in the grass ...

in the weeds, actually, but you get the picture.

I was just out digging spider lily bulbs from an area that is about to be tilled under for a new bed. I was sitting on the ground with my trowel, prying the bulbs out of the ground when I noticed what I thought was a really big worm in the dirt near where I was digging.
It was a really small snake, about as big around as a pencil. Pretty little beast, the kind they call a 'ground rattler' around here. It slithered away from me, thru the weeds, so I just sat stunned, watching. I can't say that I over-reacted, but now I'm not so anxious to dig those bulbs anymore.

So, I guess I'm going to have to wear boots and jeans when gardening, now. *pout* I was wearing clogs and shorts and felt really vulnerable. Tiny as it was, I wouldn't want to find out how much poison it packs.

We've had more snakes than usual around this year, two big 'ground rattlers', plus a 'ribbon snake' this spring. Normally we only see the occasional 'cottonmouth' when it rains more than usual. Strange I haven't seen any of those this summer, now that I think about it.

Cheri'

Oh noooooooooooooo, you were lucky Sundry Gosh!!!! The smaller those things are the more poisoness they are. **sigh** youre depressing me about the bulbs now. Thinkin' they may stay in the ground instead of coming up less the hubby goes and gets 'em out LOL...I am terrified of snakes.

Oh you've got mail...:-0

(((Cherie))) I am so glad you didn't get closer!

Fortunately we only have non-poisonous snakes where I live, except for water moccasins that live only by the big creeks and rivers, far from my garden. Garter and rat snakes are common, and are very welcome in my garden to eat the bugs and voles.

Since I have an aversion to snakes, I guess that I am lucky to live in Michigan. We had plenty of them at our former residence, but in our present location I have never seen one.

BIRD

Thank God Bird, whew!!! Cherie was to dig up my aloe plant this evening...I am worried she may encounter another one...geesh she's so BRAVE!!!

Thank you for your concern. My yard is just a few blocks from the bayou, so there are going to be snakes.

The thing is I never saw 'ground rattlers' in residential areas until the past few years. I don't quite know what to think about them. I know that they are extremely dangerous, but they also seem to be very shy. Why are they moving into my yard?!

Maybe the ground rattlers are keeping the 'cotton mouths' (AKA 'water moccasin') away. They are a lot more aggresive ...
I was really happy to see a ribbon snake this spring. Non poisonous vermin eater - can't be bad.

Anyway, I went out the next day with a spade and dug up the rest of the bulbs, so they are safely transplanted into their new home. I'm just a little nervous digging around in the early morning and late afternoon, now.

JulieAnne, your Aloe Vera is safe and sound, packed up and ready to travel. =)

Cheri'

Whew! Thank God youre alright cherie, I was worried. I dont know why they'd be moving into your yard either...I live in the country...and a pond is about 75 yards from my house. Well let me take that back ...from my newly tilled garden lol...yes..Im nervous too because not only am I terrified of those kinds of snakes but the fact that one was found here...the exact same snake as you speak of. ACK ARRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHHH

lol AND my husband used to take snakes in...the non-poisoness kinds and I learned that snakes like to feed in the evening and night time...also in the mornings...so BE CAREFUL please. :-)

Oh boy, hope I dont have dreams tonight. Glad ya got my lil' willie packed and ready to go...LMK when you ship so I can be aware of it. And remember I told you when I reached into that box the last one you sent? I thought I was feeling a snake it was so BIG!!!! Isnt it coinsidental that you find a snake? Make sure thats all thats in the box LOL joking...

Thanks sweetie

Julieanne aka ABG

Do y'all renember the snake pit in the Indian Jone's movie. It gave me some night mares. The night mares went away after I fed them some straw. Now I dream of having one less course required for graduating and not keeping a time sheet when I was in public accounting.

BIRD

The only snakes around here are in politics.

Once in a great while I see garden snakes but not in my yard.

32 years of golden retrievers have pretty much done them in.

LOL ok maybe I needa dog...or a cat,....nah...no cats, dogs maybe but no cats!!!