Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was in NE North Carolina yesterday. Did a lot of road cruising with my wife. Had an OK day I guess, didnt see too much. 2 copperheads that disappeared before I could stop and get back to them, a few owls in flight and a pair of young bobcats bouncing around in the grass.
Disappointingly though I saw a pickup truck that had stopped on the side of the road. As I drove past I saw this sight in front of them so I slammed on the brakes and came running.

They'd seen it too and stopped to figure out what it was, they thought it was a water moccasin. I spent about 15 minutes talking to them and answering general questions about how bad the bite would be and if they stand their ground or whatever. General newbie kinda questions. I was pleased they were curious and asking questions though. I was more than happy to stand there as long as they wanted to and clear up any B.S. they might have floating around in their heads.
The head had been squashed a few hours ago, and the rattles had been amputated off also.
I've seen too many dead ones, not enough live ones in this area.
It was a beautiful snake. Not the nicest by far, but still a beautiful creature. I moved it off into the thick underbrush and went on my way.
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Tom

"The more people I meet, the more I like my snakes"

At least a bad thing turned out to be alright.Informing curious people can lead to a few saved herps and maybe turn someone onto them.There is a place where the road is very straight and you can see for miles.Many times in the same night I will see a car coming towards me and all of a sudden they switch lanes,not to far up the road is always a DOR.I had this happen on a slow night
once and other cars must have run over at least 5 snakes that i personally saw and many more I did not see.Sometimes I wish I had a large truck so I could swerve to kill their cattle...LOL
I would need a large truck though.

Tom,pat yourself on the back for taking time to try and "educate"
those people,most people would rather say "oh Well" and get back on the road so they can find more herps,I have personally been guilty of this.Your post gives me the incentive to do a little more road side herp education.

John

A friend suggested we make life-like foam herps embedded with road spikes and set them on the shoulder of roads. That way, if a person intentionally runs over the herp, they get what they deserve.

Katrina