Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay, I am sorry I cut off the head but the snake struck at my kid.

Here is a link with the pic.
Snake picture

Lets try this again

To be fair, did you cut off your kid's hand too?
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Vegan power!

C'mon man, I apologized. I am working in the garden with my 4 year old and this snake jumps out at him. We have alot of Rattlesnakes here and I didn't have a second to think. I do not understand your answer though. His mouth was wide open at us and it was white. I was thinking cottonmouth but I don't know.

The snake is a Texas rat snake; Elaphe obsoleta lindheimeri.
A non-venomous snake of the North American rat snake species that are beneficial in controling rodent populations.

May I suggest that if you live in the county/country to get yourself a field guide to texas snakes. Learn the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes so you wont kill any more harmless snakes. The snake you killed could have been easily moved with a stick so it would not have bitten your child. Most snakes will strike, as this is their only defense, to bite. If you come across one of these again, and it sees you, most likely it will high tail it to cover to get away from you.

Brian

>>C'mon man, I apologized. I am working in the garden with my 4 year old and this snake jumps out at him. We have alot of Rattlesnakes here and I didn't have a second to think. I do not understand your answer though. His mouth was wide open at us and it was white. I was thinking cottonmouth but I don't know.
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Good luck and Happy Herping
Brian

Brian, I just ordered the field guide. Thanks for the info. I am new to Texas, live in the rural area and it is only fair to do the right thing. I didn't do it this time, but will next.

Brad,
I've read the thread and for what it's worth, don't beat yourself up (or let others) over killing the snake. When your child is in peril, you react as a parent first, herper second. A parent will defend his/her child, even if it meant stepping between your child and the snake to prevent a second strike from connecting. I'm only thankful that you had another option. It very well could've been a rattler, and a small child would not fare well with an envenomation.

I commend you for ordering a herp guide. You may also want to make the areas of your property frequented by your family snake-unfriendly. Keep the lawn mowed and flowerbeds weeded. Piles of wood, debris and toys make swell hiding spots. Even a garden hose coiled on the ground provides cover, as a speckled king recently taught me. Teach your kids never to touch a snake, and to look before sitting on logs or rocks. With an awareness, sharing spaces with the local reptiles can be interesting. Best of luck!

regards,
althea

No...Don't let yourself off the hook. A parent's job is to teach their children how to be safe. You struck first when a step backward was all the defence you needed-even from a rattler. Too many people are bitten while trying to kill a venomous snake. Your action was careless, and a bad lesson for your child.

Teaching your child to kill before being certain of what you are facing is not smart. I grew up in the Everglades and had that kind of encounter many times. Remember your mistake and learn to recognise that which is a threat from that which isn't. You do us all a favor by doing the responsible thing.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

I also applaud you for getting the field guide. You had to expect the negative responses, this is after all a herp board. Rat snakes are beneficial and that snake had probably eaten hundreds of rats & mice near your home that you never knew were there.

Ignorance is no excuse, but you are taking the right steps to educate yourself.

.
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What I dont understand how in this split second dilemna you managed to decapitate the snake? Either you went a step further than necessary of you are a samurai?
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