Personal Report on SNAKES in our ponds.
Yesterday, my little Dachshund Richie, the same one mentioned below, was struck in the throat by a venomous snake that was under the deck in front of the workshop. I was working on something no more than 3 feet from where it happened and counted myself lucky that it was Richie and not me that was struck. I was not able to identify the snake as I didn’t get to see it being more concerned with Richie but there is definitely an uptick in them in my yard this summer.
I have several garter snakes that live in and around the ponds and yesterday while I was looking for whatever struck Richie, I found a black Whipsnake about 2 feet long that had just eaten something as its body was pretty distended. You can’t be too careful especially around the ponds or in dark shady places like under sheds. It seems that this hot, dry summer has really got them moving to find water.
Richie made it through the night which was a very hopeful sign. I went to visit him this afternoon and shortly after, got a call from the Vet saying he had passed away. He is buried with the rest of the pets in the garden next to the big pond. Rest in Peace Richie.
SNAKES in our ponds.
There has been an uptick in reported snake sightings around ponds in our area Although it is always best to err on the side of safety when it comes to snakes, not all snakes are dangerous. In truth, most snakes would rather not be in the company or vicinity of humans as we are a not the best of company for them either because we are mortally afraid or because we want to kill each and every one, both good and bad. Many snakes actually do a lot of good killing mice and rats that tend to gather in the rockwork around our ponds or under our sheds. They are a bit intimidating when you come across them unexpectedly and they will either try to get away or go into attack mode depending on the type. In either case, leaving them alone will generally be enough for them to leave.Obviously, if you have pets or children then a different approach may be called for but it is up to each individual to make that decision.
To help with identification of “good” snakes versus “bad” ones, here is a picture indicating some of the differences between the poisonous ones and ones that look very similar. A good rule of thumb for most of them is that the venomous kind, with a couple of exceptions, have distinct triangular shaped heads.
Incidentally, I have found non poisonous ones in my Skimmer which does tend to give one a bit of a start but given time, they quickly leave. I also had a rat snake in my shed and later out in the yard. I gave him some time to get away but unfortunately, Richie, my medium sized Dachshund found and killed him. He was all of four feet long and was beautifully marked. Always be aware and be careful.
Austin Pond Society’s second annual Member Swap meet. 
Tom & Sherry Gringas and their subject will be “Enhancing your Pondscape with Metalwork and Sculpture”.
