Willis, Thanks for the info. The creek is about 1/4 of a mile away so I shouldn't have a problem. I will be sure to ask my neighbors too what kind of critters are around. I've always wanted to live in the country and I guess snakes and critters go with the territory.
SNAKE ID REQUESTED
Exactly...you don't have to love them....but respect what each can do and avoid contact with those that can harm you,...if possible.
When that "encounter" does occur,... with whatever the creature may be,...(inevitable, when "in the country/wilder areas)...take appropriate action to keep from being injured.....
BTW,....
this can apply to the Human species as well, in most civilized areas :~)
Livin' in the country rocks
Human species...teeheehee....yes....AMEN!!! Those are the critters I'm getting away from.
LouC ~ cats can be a deterrent to snakes because they tend to hunt and harvest the same quarry as a snake. The cats will eliminate the rodent population with a passion. Unfortunately, people in tune with nature resent the cat hunting a lizard or a birds' nest, etc.
All these creatures are a food source for the snake. I have found when there is no food, the snakes will go elsewhere. We have all four poisonous snakes in this area but rarely encounter one in our fenced yard. My cats are neutered or spayed so they are not as inclined to ramble. I do have a 12 year old male that has been bit a few times. If the bite is not on the neck or head, I start him on antibiotics and allow him to sleep it off. This doesn't deter him from hunting them.
We do have many of the small brown nonpoisonous snakes but am not sure what they are called. We also have king snakes which hunt and eat other snakes. They are protected here... LOL
Fancyflea ~ do not worry about encountering snakes. Learn to ID them and treat them with caution and respect. We have a large pond which I keep mowed. The open area is also a deterrent to snakes and allows me to see where I walk when the dogs go down to swim.
My great-grandparents always had a large area around their homes that was only swept dirt. It was mainly to see or keep the snakes at bay.