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11-16 of 16 messages
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RE: Why I hate the press.
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by Chris_Harper on June 29, 2005
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Different approach -- First, I charm them. ;-) Then I make them agree to let me proof the article before it goes to press. I learned that the hard way though. Somewhere there's an article that makes me look like a blithering idiot, and don't bother asking. [Basically it reads as one of my advanced snakebite classes as seen through the eyes of a 7th grader.] LOL
~CH
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RE: Why I hate the press.
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by sceniccityreptiles on June 30, 2005
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I wasn’t miss-quoted, I would be even more upset if I were, they just didn’t like the information I gave. They were looking for a piece demonizing snakes and my info didn’t fit their profile. So they ignored solid information from a snake researcher and quoted the fool that lived next door instead. “These things won’t wait on you, they come and attack” Total BS, Timbers first rely on camouflage, then retreat, they defend only as a last option. I told the researcher that, but it was omitted, and as a result the general public in that town is not under the impression snakes will attack people unprovoked and that is leading to the senseless killing of snakes all over that area.
Why is it a news worthy story that a snake that was not bothering any one was killed? I think there is more of a story in the fact that two toddlers were left without adult supervision and other minors in that home have open access to firearms. I intend to bring that to the attention of the AL DHS. I don’t know if anything will be done, but if so, I am sure Mr Child will regret asking the news paper to do a story on his senseless killing.
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RE: Why I hate the press.
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by vampire on June 30, 2005
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I constantly try to inform my co-workers about the true nature of snakes. That being, they simply want to live their life and have no contact with humans, if at all possible. The usual reply is, " I don`t care, the only good snake is a dead snake". I then tell them that when the world becomes over run with rodents, then maybe they will change their mind. It is so frustrating that people hate something so much, simply because they don`t understand it.
Best regards,
Mike aka {Vampire}
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RE: Why I hate the press.
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by ALA_herp31 on July 1, 2005
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I agree Mike, it is so hard to change peoples points of vew on such things. I guess it comes from growing up with Parents that teach their Kids to kill a Snake, instead of trying to move the Animal to place were it wont hurt anyone. I on the other hand am very lucky to have had Parents that taught me to respect Animals. I know it seems like we are losing the battle, but if we stop now, imagine how bad it could get..................Be safe ya’ll, happy herping Wally
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RE: Why I hate the press.
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by sceniccityreptiles on July 4, 2005
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They told me to limit this to 300 words and this is 399. its still not everything i wanted to say, but we are so limited for space. i hope they will publish as it.....if not, i will try to shorten this a little more.
The truth about Timber Rattlesnakes.
In a recent article a layperson was quoted as saying (about Timber Rattlesnakes) “that particular species is aggressive and will not wait for you in the shade, but will come after you.”
This was a grossly inaccurate statement as to the nature of Crotalus Horridus, better known as the Timber Rattlesnake. Actually these snakes are shy, reclusive, and avoid human contact whenever possible.
These animals are equipped with potent venom, but seek to use this commodity only for capturing prey. Venom is used as defensive only as a last resort. The snake realizes that first, the venom does not act instantly and a potential adversary would have ample opportunity to inflict damage to it, even after a bite. Second, the snake knows if it expends venom for defense, it may miss an opportunity at a much needed meal.
During snake to human encounters, this species relies first on camouflage. If the snake thinks it has not been seen, it will lie perfectly still and hope the human passes it by. Once the animal realizes it has been seen, it will then rattle to alert humans it is present. From there it will look for the most prudent escape route, and take it.
Research was recently done by the Tri-State Herpetological Society. Replicas of human hands were made by filling latex gloves with gelatin. The make shift hand was then scented by rubbing it against human skin and then heated to 98 degrees. A test group of 10 Crotalus Horridus were tested. None of the snakes would bite the mock hand when it was placed in front of them. Zero out of 10 struck at the hand when it was used to gently touch them. Only 6 out of 10 struck at the hand when it was used to aggressively provoke the snake.
Most cases of human envenomations from Timber Rattlesnakes occur during attempts to capture or kill the snake. This fact along with the fact rattlesnakes provide a vital role in the environment by controlling rodents (who are responsible for more human deaths then all world wars combined) should compel humans to leave snake in peace when they are encountered. If one comes across a rattlesnake, simply do not disturb the animal. Leave it as you found it and it will go about its business. It means no harm to any human; it simply wishes to avoid human contact.
Professor Samuel C Hurd
www.TriStateHerp.com
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