What would YOU say... - Experts Forum at VenomousReptiles.org

What would YOU say...	Reply
by earthguy on May 5, 2010	Mail this to a friend!
if you had just five minutes to get your point across that snakes are NOT evil? I was asked to do a 5 min slotabout snakes on a small local television series . The target audience will be primarily avid gardeners. I know what I am planning to talk about, but I am of the opinion that none of us is as smart as all of us, and I would like to see if anybody else has any good ideas. Remember: five minutes to teach gardeners that snakes are good.

RE: What would YOU say...	Reply
by TheFifthDay on May 5, 2010	Mail this to a friend!
One thing I would talk about is that the snakes eat the animals that destroy gardens. Mostly things like grubs, worms, and insects, but also rodents and possibly rabbits. I have an uncle who has a rodent problem, and kills all the snakes he sees... It doesn't work that way.

RE: What would YOU say...	Reply
by pictigaster1 on May 5, 2010	Mail this to a friend!
Jon it does work that way.But I do know what you mean.Years ago they had grizzly hunters and wolf hunters.These men traveled across the west with a dog and a gun.Most thought they were on a mission from God.To me this is what it is like now with snakes with all of the round ups and stuff.I would talk about what Jon said and how that snakes are a part of the ecosystem.That each one has a part to play in the control of some pest even other snakes.That these animals are fascinating as well as educational for children.That we should learn to love and care for all animals and snakes have got a bad rap from the start.Tell them that the destruction of any species is a sad thing.Tell them that captive breeding is only in its infancy and we are still learning.In england people judge your garden by if you have natrix in it .A good garden has a few a great garden has a bunch.These garden snakes are enjoyed by gardeners all across europe.We have garter snakes very simmular here in america and they control a few pests them selves.Harmless snakes in the garden will keep birds away that eat seeds of some plants as well as fruit.

RE: What would YOU say...	Reply
by CrotalusAdamanteus on May 5, 2010	Mail this to a friend!
I would talk about particular species of snakes that eat prey such as Insects. The Rough Green, Worm snakes, Ringnecks, Smooth earth snakes, Common Brown(Dakay)snake, ect. If there was a rodent problem within the garden then I would discuss Elaphe and Lampropeltis species. Then throw in that they prey on all of the pesky Insects and Rodents while using the garden as a home, trying to stay to themselves as much as possible.

RE: What would YOU say...	Reply
by FSB on May 6, 2010	Mail this to a friend!
I have told many gardeners about how northern red bellied snakes eat nothing but slugs and the typical reaction is "where can I get some?"

RE: What would YOU say...	Reply
by CanadianSnakeMan on May 6, 2010	Mail this to a friend!
Try dispelling some myths and urban legends about snakes and play on the fact that they're shy and would rather leave everyone alone. You could also bring up the point that even venomous species would rather run away first and save their venom for prey. Perhaps try talking about where they might be found in the garden (hiding under pots etc) so a gardener might not be as startled at finding one.

RE: What would YOU say...	Reply
by Baran on May 6, 2010	Mail this to a friend!
A lot of good has been said already, and I don't have much to add. I do garden some, and at plant shows these are the points regarding snakes which I have found myself clarifying the most: 1. Snakes dig holes all over my garden -> Snakes are not the ones digging the holes in your ground; instead, they're cleaning up after the chipmunks. 2. Snakes are leaving slime (this I've only heard a couple times - but more than once. I think they mean the honey-dew from aphids and/or slug trails) or eating my plants -> They're not eating your plants and they don't leave slime -- they're in your garden cleaning! Snakes are great pest removers (as already mentioned) but you might want to mention that they often do this at night. The gardener can garden by day, and the snake can clean up pest at night! Gardeners hate the idea of missing out on "sun time". 3. But they crawl in my plants and break them! -> Snakes don't do much damage to plants. I have met several gardeners that, for some reason, seem to think snakes climb in their plants and seriously damage them. I actually think they are talking about deer or dog damage. You've probably thought of this stuff, but if not, I hope it's helpful to have a little of the gardeners' perspective.

RE: What would YOU say...	Reply
by Ptk on May 7, 2010	Mail this to a friend!
I dont think JUST saying snakes eat garden destroying animals will be enough. Who hasnt heard that at least once? Gotta go deeper and give numbers - explain in dollars (something we all hold dear to our wallets) how much crop damage is done and lost. How expensive pesticides are (per acre). I believe there is an article on this site that stated as much as 30-40% crop loss in one study. Not to discourage you but I dont think it really matters what you say. Five minutes is not enough to change a life time of ignorance and fear. Time might be better spent promoting an event, lecture, website, etc that would give a you a larger/longer format that you control the spirit of the message being published. Unless this is live - I would also caution you there have been many pro-snake educators get "edited" to the point it becomes an "anti"- snake message. Good Luck! PTK

RE: What would YOU say...	Reply
by earthguy on May 8, 2010	Mail this to a friend!
Thanks for the ideas so far...my 5 min barrage is starting to gell in my mind a little more. This is a live show with a solid viewership on ETV. The hosts of the show are pretty good naturalists, and one even really likes snakes (which is why she invited me on). I've done a spot for them before (on their other show) where I talked about a hognose that I had found that morning (so of course he was displaying very nicely for the camera). I know that I won't change many minds in five minutes...but it isn't always about changing minds RIGHT THEN. Education is often a slow process that involves planting seeds of logic that can grow over time. Five minutes is enough time to plant at least a few seeds.

RE: What would YOU say...	Reply
by pictigaster1 on May 8, 2010	Mail this to a friend!
Good luck .This is a good thing they are letting you do.

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