Rose Cottage Ltd

I was taking a stroll around the lake early this morning. It’s so nice in North Carolina this time of year – not too hot, not too cold and today, no 20+mph wind like we’ve had lately.

I first spotted several pair of Wood Ducks.

There had been some dozen wood ducks hanging around this corner of the lake when I first ventured out. They are a bit skittish though so I figured they had taken off when they saw the “paparazzi” approaching yet again.

However, as I got closer to that edge, I noticed this…

Say what you want, but ducks are apparently NOT stupid!

They took one look at this Northern Water snake – pretending to be a stick, and said, “See you!” Pun intended!

There is one particular reader of this blog who will NOT be happy to see this post, but I wouldn’t be honest about the pros and cons of country living if I didn’t share all the details.

The good news about this snake is that it is not poisonous and never comes much further than in this photo – out of the water. The other fact is that until that rip-rap, (aka big, heavy rocks!) you see at the water’s edge, was added, I never saw one of these snakes. They like to lay on the rip-rap once it’s warmed by the sun so we’ve inadvertently provided them a summer resort – of sorts. Weighing the benefits of retaining the lake edge versus the occasional non-poisonous snake, the rip-rap was still a good and necessary idea.

The bad news is that this snake looks rather fat to me. Hopefully it is not a “she” and in nesting mode.

“Film at eleven” on that I guess….

…and a friendly reminder…

Warm weather means more people will be getting outdoors and into some great Summer activities like hiking, swimming, skiing, and fishing. If you’ve not been able to get out much over the past few months – now is your chance to get your body moving and healthy.

BUT, please keep in mind that it is also “snake season.”

This guy (I’m guessing here!), is a Northern Water Snake and resides in my lake in North Carolina – and he has a few other relatives living here as well. This snake is NOT poisonous – but some in the water are so be careful – particularly in lakes, ponds, and in some shallow river areas. The Northern Water Snake certainly resembles a Copperhead – which is poisonous – but you won’t find many Copperheads who like water.

I wrote a post on the web site about some other snake run-ins which might prove of interest to those venturing out to “the wilds” of the country this Summer. I try to keep a sense of humor about snakes since I know for the one I saw, there were five others I didn’t.

No reason for paranoia – just be safe and use common sense – particularly if you are visiting an area that is not familiar to you. If you aren’t sure about what snakes live where – ask someone who does know – before you go…

I’m also going to encourage you yet again to get some of this Neem-based spray – it is also available as a gel. This stuff DOES repel chiggers and it works just as well on ticks. I don’t leave the house without it in warm weather and if I DO happen to forget – the chiggers remind me fast enough.

Be safe – and have fun this Memorial Day Weekend!