Kerry wrote:
We always saw a lot of snakes, but most people dont. I've decided
that's
not because they aren't there, but because most folks don't see things
that
aren't moving. We have developed an eye for catching details.. like
flowers and snakes. In over 35 years (my husband) and my 23 + years,
neither one of us has ever been bitten by a snake.. I really think it's
a
matter of going slowly, and giving the animals a chance to get away from
us. We certainly aren't their idea of dinner, so unless we catch one
with
PMS or shedding, they really give people a wide berth. They are a much
overrated danger as compared with ponerine ants, bees, and just plain
clumsiness..
I can't miss a chance to put in a quick plug for snakes. Reptiles are
one of my favourite photographic subjects. Here in Aus we have the
'honour' of having the world's most venomous. I believe Kerry is spot-on
when she says that snakes are overrated as a danger (in most situations
- obviously I'm not referring to life in many Asian communities where
snakes are a constant problem).
In my local (suburban) area we have a venomous snake known as the
"red-bellied black", a stunning black snake with vivid crimson ventral
colours. Most people are terrified of it, and stories abound as to its
fierce and deadly nature. In fact, like most snakes it is very timid and
wary of humans and will do anything to escape them. A family of these
reptiles lived until recently in a block of bush in my busy suburb,
going quietly about their business, surrounded by houses and kids.
Occasionally one would wander on to the footpath or warm road and the
neighbourhood would explode into a (usually unsuccessful)
"snake-hunting" frenzy! No-one, as far a I know, has ever bitten or
chased by one locally. The block was eventually cleared for ugly brick
houses (despite our best efforts to preserve some of the bush there),
and the developer illegally employed people to kill any snakes "to
protect the public". I had trouble resisting hammering one of these
idiots with my 300mm 4.5 as they sprouted on about the danger of
reptiles. My local residents are far more dangerous than any snake
(particularly when the road becomes a late-night drag strip - we join
the snakes in fleeing for cover!). We did have the honour of rescuing
several of the black snakes as they desperately sought to escape
tractors and shovel-wielding heroes (who often end up being bitten in
such situations), moving them elsewhere, but this is usually an
unsatisfactory approach to saving animals threatened by developments.
One of the black snakes did (on its own accord) take up residence in my
back-yard for a few days - I was honoured (didn't tell the neighbours).
I think it's a real pleasure seeing a snake while in the bush, but I
agree that they can certainly give you a fright when they suddenly
appear at close quarters! I once was dead keen to photograph an agitated
Eastern Brown Snake (a large, nervous, extremely venomous snake - the
species that has caused the most fatalities in Australia). A friend had
removed it from someone's lounge-room (it believed it had found a lovely
new and roomy log to spend winter in) and he had in a cloth bag. I was
ready, armed with OM and flash gear. Released, the snake ignored my
photo-shoot instructions, and rocketed out of the bag toward me, racing
between my legs before vanishing into the scrub. The shot was hilarious
- blurred leaves and sky - panic captured on film (good exposure though
- the OM metering spot on as usual!
The year before last I spent several days camped (with some Museum
herpetologists) at a place in western Qld trying to get a photo of the
Inland Taipan (world's most venomous serpent) - these snakes live deep
in cracks in the vast stony plains. After rare floods the area's grass
grows and there are plagues of native rats. The snakes feed and breed.
At other times the reptiles rest below the ground, coming to the surface
for only a couple of days each year. We had hoped to find and photograph
one - the technique is to race after one when spotted, grab it by the
tail before it becomes subterranean, and then think about how to
photograph it! Unfortunately none were seen, but there was lots of other
things to test out the macro lens on - amazing geckoes, dragons,
grasshoppers and spiders - all heavily disguised to look like gibbers
(small black and red stones).
But I have digressed! (Well, it is allowed at times on this list isn't
it??). I had only intended to put in a good word for these much-maligned
critters! They are fabulous animals (and an essential part of any
healthy ecosystem)!
Cheers all
Robert Ashdown
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