[at-l] about that snake...

[jmmiele at optonline.net (jmmiele@optonline.net)]

While hiking the AT in NY a few weeks ago (my first hike without toe pain!!) I was startled by an all-black snake who must have been about 4 feet long and a little thicker than a broom handle.  S/he was about 3 feet off the trail and allowed me a nice long look before moving on.  Anyone know what kind of long black snakes frequent that part of NY state?

I also saw a momma black-headed vulture with her nest tucked into some rocks along the trail near Greenwood Lake, NY.  She was snuggled into a crevice near to where a small ladder is needed to get past a 6-foot or so drop.  Then there were the two bear cubs who were rolling around and playing, just about 10 yards from me.

I love this hiking stuff.

J



----- Original Message -----
From: Bror8588@aol.com
Date: Friday, September 17, 2004 12:26 pm
Subject: Re: [at-l] about that snake...

> In a message dated 9/17/04 08:44:02 Eastern Daylight Time, 
> AThiker@smithville.net writes:
> 
> 
> > . I didn't want to have to kill the 
> > copperhead. He really gave me no choice, though. 
> > 
> > 
> 
> I saw a Copperhead a little over a year ago while walking on a New 
> Jersey 
> road.  I knew it was a snake long before I got near and I had 
> heard that there 
> were a lot of Copperhead snakes in the region but when I drew near 
> I was 
> startled by the beauty of the snake.  Its colors were bright and 
> it seemed to shine. 
> Perhaps it had just shed its skin and was showing off its "new 
> coat."  The 
> Copperhead did not run off because of my presence.  In fact it 
> seemed curious, 
> flicking its tongue to determine whatever flicking a tongue 
> determines.  I was 
> struck by the beauty of the snake yet did not venture closer than 
> four feet.  I 
> must have stood there looking at it for 15 minutes or so before it 
> moved off 
> the road and into the woods, toward a stream.  Off to hunt?  Or, 
> perhaps to 
> soak up some moisture?  I don't know but it seemed to move with 
> intention toward 
> the gurgling stream.
> 
> Someone asked, "Why didn't you kill it?"  I replied, "It was too 
> beautiful to 
> kill" (not that ugly snakes should be killed anymore than snakes 
> of beauty).  
> Life abounds in the woods.  There are some mice or voles or other 
> small 
> mammals that will die and become nourishment for the Copperhead.  
> That is life, but 
> who am I to interfere with the cycle of woodland feeding habits.  
> Each 
> creature lives for their purpose.  
> 
> The hiker who carries a walking stick or who used the Swiss type 
> hiking 
> poles, has tools to protect him or herself from snakes and other 
> creatures if 
> necessary.  A flick of the wrist and they are moved well off the 
> beaten path or a 
> few minutes of observation and they leave of their own free will, 
> meandering on 
> their way, doing what they want to do.  
> 
> Snakes can be fascinating when one has time to see.
> 
> Skylander
> _______________________________________________
> at-l mailing list
> at-l@backcountry.net
> http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/at-l
>