I don’t like Snakes, Spiders, Snakes, Porcelain Dolls, and did I mention snakes?
Recently I was reminded of a particular snake that can be mistaken for a more harmless version. Some do-gooder came up with a rhyme composed to help me determine the level of danger I am in – as well as take the appropriate action.
When it comes right down to the dangerous moment, I know I will never remember the rhyme correctly. The rhyme is designed to help you remember which type of snake is “harmless” and which is not.
Just as background, the Eastern Coral snake is highly venomous; the Scarlet King snake is non-venomous.
The rhyme is…
“Red on yellow – kills a fellow” or “Red touching black – is a friend of Jack”.
What the heck? I don’t have time for this! Here is what I figure.
Kill the snake, and then check the rings after. If it ended up being a “good” snake then send a donation check to the humane society or something.
Quick, which one of these is the real killer?? And don’t forget the rhyme!
Fine, I suppose this is where you look for some witty insights to my mind. A "bio" of sorts. Here is the deal... I ride motorcycles, smoke cigars, golf, kayak, fly, race my car through the mountains, write (a lot), and travel extensively. I am almost old enough not to care what other people think about me...almost. ~Godfadr
“If it ended up being a “good” snake then send a donation check to the human society or something. ”
The human society huh? You in cahoots with George Costanza to get away with giving gifts that don’t actually cost you any money?
coral snakes aren’t aggressive enough to make you think that you have such little time to remember the rhyme.
if, somehow, you have time to see the snake, and kill it, then you will have time to remember that.
you should read about their habitat and behavior before you start saying things like this. not trying to be a d**k, but snakes are an important part of every ecosystem, and killing them for no reason is a waste, and puts them one subject closer to being put on the vulnerable/endangered list.
besides, different king snake species are immune to snake venoms that they are native to, and will actually eat snakes like coral snakes, and vipers.
Wow, Thanks “Evident”.
If you poke around the site you will see that (largely) it is a relatively tongue-in-cheek set of ramblings (this post included).
With that said, I certainly appreciate your comments and enlightening us all in the fascinating world of “snakes and our ecosystem.” – Normally we would have to wait for Discovery Channel Sweeps Week.
PS. We don’t think you were being a d**k, just that you like snakes!