Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Chased some northern watersnakes on the lower Wisconsin River today in Sauk County. Saw a bunch, but managed to catch only one - man, I'm getting slow. This is a shot of her peeking out of the grass.

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Tim

The same snake in hand. My seven year old took this photo since my hands were full. I think it turned out pretty good.

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Tim

No kidding! We can't all afford to have an expert photographer on our herping trips. I bet you tell him minimum wage is called "an allowance" too! Nice snake. Is dad going to help his son care for it?
Michael

We let it go. She already has a gartersnake and is doing very well with it. I supervise at all times and still do most of the cleaning, but she is pretty skilled at handling it.
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Tim

Brings to mind my 7 year old stepdaughter (32 now). I brought home a beautiful sinaloan kingsnake and reassured her it wouldn't bite. Well, I was wrong. The 12" WORM casually opened it's mouth and did the chew thing kings are famous for. She was so brave as I peeled the thing off. I felt like a big pile of crap!! Over 27 years and I still tear up.
Michael

Thanks for the story.

My daughter keeps telling me she's not afraid to get bit and she'll like snakes just as much if they bite her. I love the attitude, but fact is she hasn't been bit yet, so we'll see. I let her handle most of the gartersnakes we catch, so I guess it's just a matter of time. I'm keeping the Nerodia to myself for now though - lol.
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Tim

Knowledge with understanding is wisdom. You're doing the right thing!
Michael