Rescuing a Western Whip Snake.. a banner day!

For the first time in my sixty years, I got to hold and examine a
Western Whip Snake. We discovered the hapless creature terribly snared
in the bird net I keep on the tomato plants out there. This was a truly
banner event because my older brother was visiting and we both had the
privilege of this rescue. In fact, we were out there picking tomatoes,
peppers, and squashes when we found this creature.

Whip Snakes come in several varieties and colors, but the entire line is
named after their tails which look like a finely braided leather whip.
They are typically shy and quite reclusive and seeing them is usually
relegated to quick glances as they speed away.

I regret I was not smart enough to get the camera and take pics of the
snake tangled up in the net.. but visiting my pictures will give you an
idea of the event. We were too interested in freeing the little guy to
think about pictures until we had him in hand.

Sue...

Pretty snake and does indeed remind me of a whip.
sue

JD Cooper...

Joy...

JD, do you realize that you are destroying your reputation? How are you
going to be credible as a tough-talking, name-calling political arguer if
you go around rescuing squirrels and snakes? ;-)

Great photos, BTW!

**Dalin**...

What a beautiful little snake. I'm glad you were able to rescue him
and get pictures. Thanks for sharing them with us. I hope the damage
on his body will heal. It's a privilege to see such an elusive, shy
creature. :-)

JD Cooper...

We are pretty sure the damage will not cause him to die. I sure hope
that is the case because a Whip Snake of that size is surly six to ten
years old.

**Dalin**...

Is there enough water for it? You had said the squirrel must have
traveled a couple of miles to get to water. I heard this morning on
the news that several governors of some of the southwest states are
considering water rationing.

JD Cooper...

Reptiles can live a very, very long time between meals and drinks. They
are cold blooded and when in stress simply go into suspended animation.
(I think that is what it is called). They can survive a long, long, long
time.

As far as the water problem is concerned, well, there ain't nuthin' new.
In the West an old expression goes, "Whiskey's for drinking, water's for
fighting."

Thanks, Sue... it was a very special event even tho the snake had
suffered such calamity in his life. This is the very first time I ever
got a snake of any kind twisted up in a bird net. HAd it been a rattler
I'd have dispatched it post haste.

mmj1...

Snakes aren't my cup of tea but have to admit you made me like that one.
Especially when he was taking a drink. So I'll send a hug to you and your
brother that you can pass along to it if your paths should cross again.