Snake on Butia

[TerdalFarm]

This cell phone photo is of the same large Butia that hosted a little tree frog until recently. I don't know if the snake's appearance has anything to do with the absence of the tree frog. No matter--to me these animals add to the tropical feel of my backyard right now.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IP ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r-MvN4jW1sE/TEjV2 ... AG0110.jpg" /></a>

[lucky1]

don't know if the snake's appearance has anything to do with the absence of the tree frog.

What kind is it?

Compared to Belize, I'm sure nothing startles you in Oklahoma.
Any venomous snakes in OK?

Barb

[TerdalFarm]

It is a garter snake, genus Thamniophis, which (as a genus) have a range into B.C.
They eat herbivorous insect and so are a gardener's friend. I doubt it ate the tree frog, but they were in competition for the bugs which sunned on the Butia and ate the adjacent Musa basjoo.
As for venomous snakes, yes, we have a LOT in OK. An employee of mine was bit last year (down in McCurtain county); he survived with medical care but had to have his thumb amputated. So, we take snakes seriously. I have never seen a venomous snake on the farm, but it is good habitat so I figure it is a matter of time. We probably have more snakes here than our neighbors as all the chicken eggs draw the larger snakes in.
Belize has more snake species but not more abundance. I see a lot more snakes here than I do down there.
Can I tell you again about that nearby 5 acre plot for sale?
--Erik

[lucky1]

The garter snakes are indeed here, though I seldom see them.
Glad the tree frog can co-exist with that guy.

I've lived here for 34 years and just last week saw my FIRST Rubber Boa.
Strange looking snake, hard to tell the head from the tail, and wrinkled at its curved portions like those Chinese dogs LOL.
Okanagan snakes here, including the Thamniophis:
http://www.bcreptiles.ca/snakes.htm

Surprised to learn OK has a lot of them.
I've seen pictures of snake bites and the tissue damage that results, frequently requiring many surgeries.
How unfortunate his thumb was amputated...sounds as though it could have been a lot worse.
Sheesh sounds like the hardy palm was the only GOOD thing to be found in that county, LOL, from all accounts.

I'm guessing the horse activity, as well as tractors, mowers, and the like may keep your area's snakes in "calmer" properties, despite the yummy chicken eggs at your farm.
Hope that's true.

Would you believe that my 15 acres is TOO HOT for rattlesnakes?
Yup, apparently so (according to the real ole' timers), because we lack rock outcrops that hold the heat at night.
But gopher snakes--we call them bull snakes--are bad tempered (no venom), can grow large (5 feet long) and scare the living poop out of anybody who sees them. They'll fight an approaching tractor tire versus slithering away.

Enough about snakes. Yuk.
No you won't see me putting in an offer on that 5 acres.


Barb

[TerdalFarm]

[quote="lucky1"]\

Enough about snakes. Yuk.


Barb[/quote]

OK, I'll keep quiet. After pointing out that I have not seen the little guy since.
--Erik