Ventured down to LaSalle County this evening to do a little reptile photography. Heading down a ranch road at dusk, we saw what looked like a large rubber hose stretched almost completely across the oncoming lane. I hardly dared hope, but as we got closer there was no denying it-a huge erebennus! What an awesome animal. Even though its body stretched almost to the centerline, I could see that at least a foot of tail was still in the roadside grass.It's head was elevated a few inches above the pavement, and except to cock it slightly toward us, it exibited no reaction as the truck slowed to a stop. We watched for a moment, then I grabbed my camera and eased open the door, hoping for a good shot.

Alas, no photos. As soon as the door opened, the seemingly calm Indigo swapped ends as fast as any coachwhip, and slid into the tall grass before either of us could blink. But what an encounter. I've seen six-foot-plus rat snakes and bulls on the road, as well as 5 foot Crotalus, but none were nearly so impressive as this big indigo. They just seem to exude a kind of effortless grace and power that is hard to describe.

Sorry for the lack of photos-but I'm going back repeatedly until I get some!
-----
Brad Chambers

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....

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