Friday, October 12, 2007

Changing Attitudes



As I was about to hop the guardrail to capture some fall foliage I happened to notice this water snake lying in the leaves and rocks.

Growing up as a Farm boy I learned about the good and the bad animals. Good animals were comprised of livestock along with wild animals used for food, commonly known as game. The list of Bad creatures was fairly long and included any wild animal or bird that may kill a chicken such as skunks, opossums, raccoons, foxes, hawks, owls, and weasels along with most types of rodents and any other wild animal with no obvious useful purpose. At the very top of the Bad Animal list were snakes.

Snakes of all kinds were to be loathed, detested, and killed on sight. Was not the only possible reason God created such a loathsome creature was to tempt Eve in the Garden of Eden? Besides doesn’t the Bible say “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel”? Killing snakes fulfills our part of this ancient curse and on occasion a poisonous snake, given the opportunity or sufficient provocation will certainly fulfill his end of the bargain.

As I maneuvered for a close up shot my hand dropped to the rocks. Choosing a couple of pea sized pebbles I gently tossed them toward the snake to bring her into “Battle Position”. At the toss she made one quick strike and then assumed the position I was looking for. A few moments later she quietly made her escape into the creek a few yards below, never understanding that she was in absolutely no danger and that her reaction was exactly what I was looking for,
Another
“Country Capture”

10 comments:

photowannabe said...

These guys give me the creepy crawlies. I'm so glad you didn't step on him. Is he poisonous?
Great capture, the detail of his scales is so clear.

imac said...

That sure is afantastic shot Salty.
See where you get your name from,Salt of the earth.Here's me thinking going up in a cable car was brave.Well done. just love the shot.you are a TRUE photographer.

Anonymous said...

Yes, this is excellent. I don't like snakes much either. I guess because about 70 years ago I stepped on one and it bit me on the back of the ankle. I tolerate them and love to photograph them, like you, when I happen to see them. I gave up killing stuff so they are never in any danger from me. I like your photography and the narrative with it.

Chad Oneil Myers said...

Great shot. Glad you didn't kill it ;)

Tom said...

What a great 'Country Capture' I have never seen a wild snake ever, we have them here for sure. My friend big Pete as seen the odd one. Great picture Salty, and well done in making the most of something you just stumbled upon, thats the sign of a true wildlife photographer.

Lori said...

Though I don't like snakes, I don't see any reason to kill them unless they are a threat. But I have to admit...if I saw one slithering closely towards my house, it would probably be a goner!

Jill said...

Oh you got a good one of him. I usually can't ever tell what kind they are.

Kerri Farley said...

EEEWWWW! I don't like snakes! But I do like your picture and I'm glad you didn't kill her. I would have been running away as fast as my feet would carry me!

lv2scpbk said...

Nice shot. I'd rather not come up on one and surprise it, but I'd also rather leave it alone for it to go it's own way and me mine.

Neva said...

This is quite the shot but I am not of fan of snakes and bugs.....