Signs of spring in New Hampshire
Signs of spring in New Hampshire
(oh, and northern Massachusetts)
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"Falsehood flies, the Truth comes limping after it." - Jonathan Swift, ca. 1710
"Falsehood flies, the Truth comes limping after it." - Jonathan Swift, ca. 1710
Re: Signs of spring in New Hampshire
just awaken...! (everybody!) Great spring shots sasha!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: Signs of spring in New Hampshire
thanks, glad you enjoyed
I was especially happy to find the snake - most I find have been flattened by cars. This one was stretched out straight in a patch of sunlight, & so still I wasn't sure if he was alive. But once I poked him, and he assumed the position. I would have picked him up for a closer look, but I just didn't feel like dealing with his musk. That smell lingers, and I was on the outward half of my trek....
I was especially happy to find the snake - most I find have been flattened by cars. This one was stretched out straight in a patch of sunlight, & so still I wasn't sure if he was alive. But once I poked him, and he assumed the position. I would have picked him up for a closer look, but I just didn't feel like dealing with his musk. That smell lingers, and I was on the outward half of my trek....
.
"Falsehood flies, the Truth comes limping after it." - Jonathan Swift, ca. 1710
"Falsehood flies, the Truth comes limping after it." - Jonathan Swift, ca. 1710
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Re: Signs of spring in New Hampshire
i've never experienced snake musk. note to add to bucket list.
Re: Signs of spring in New Hampshire
It's pretty nasty. It's a viscous fluid they squirt from anal glands while thrashing around to make sure it gets on your clothes. And it has staying power - washing your hands doesn't always get rid of the smell. This time of year (mating season) they're likely to bite too, but their teeth are barely able to break the skin. There's some recent evidence suggesting that they're mildly venomous, but I've never had a reaction to a bite.
Ribbon snakes are more docile - they still void their musk, but I've never had one try to bite. Some sources say they're more skittish, but my experience has been that if handled gently after being grabbed, they lose the perception of danger, and settle down. They almost seem to enjoy the heat of my hand, and are often reluctant to leave once I return them to the ground.
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"Falsehood flies, the Truth comes limping after it." - Jonathan Swift, ca. 1710
"Falsehood flies, the Truth comes limping after it." - Jonathan Swift, ca. 1710
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