You need to check the specs on your camera to see what the minimum focusing distance is. If you have a zoom camera, the more zoomed you use, the further away you will have to stand from the object to take a clear picture. If the minimum focusing distance is something like 3 feet, then anything less than 3 feet away will be blurry. That is why the snake appears blurry, but the objects farther away are in focus. Your best bet is to set your camera to the "macro" setting (usually press the button or turn the dial to the flower setting). This will set your camera up for taking close up shots. If you're not sure of the minimum focusing distance of your camera, just experiment. On the macro setting, you should be able to take clear pictures from a foot or two away. Also, more available light allows you to use a faster shutter speed and there will be less camera shake while the shutter is open.