Always a good thing to investigate when the cats are intently looking at something, ears forward ...

Turned out what I was going to rescue this time was not what I initially thought (looked like a decently large earthworm) but rather one of our local worm snakes.

No problem extricating the tiny snake and he just curled up in my palm as I took him to safety:


I was surprised at this but according to Wikipedia,

quote:

their species name, Carphophis amoenus includes a reference to their behavior, as 'amoenus' is Latin for "pleasing, charming" in reference to the snake's temperament

so maybe they all do that.

You sure it’s not a ringneck? Cute little fella either way!

I brought a baby ringneck home from Kentucky when I was a kid, and my stepdad HATED snakes! The thing got out of the aquarium I had it in, and when I got home, my liquored up stepdad was backed into a corner holding his Colt Python exclaiming “I’m gonna shoot that motherf&%^$r when I see it”! The thing was the size of a pencil! Did I mention he REALLY didn’t like snakes?!?!

Ringneck.

But still, good on ya!

Yes, good on you.
I have a special feeling for snakes.

He’s actually pretty cute. Now it’s time to find him a home—if you really want to keep him (I definitely would)!

I rescue actual worms (earthworms). I see many on the sidewalks, nearly certain to suffer a grim death. I pick ‘em up and find shady moist grass for the poor critters.

I find at least one a year here.
They're pretty rare.

They're actually venomous. But can't hurt you.

quote:

Originally posted by ScreamingCockatoo:
<snip>
They're actually venomous. But can't hurt you.

Worm snakes or ringnecks? If they’re venomous why couldn’t they hurt a person?

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:

quote:

Originally posted by ScreamingCockatoo:
<snip>
They're actually venomous. But can't hurt you.

Worm snakes or ringnecks? If they’re venomous why couldn’t they hurt a person?

I don't know about worn snake or ring necks but Garter snakes are venomous, they have a mild neurotoxin but doesn't effect humans.

My boy aussie caught a Garter snake Friday and drought me his most excellent prize. I, was not impressed! He dropped the damn thing right into my lap! Yes, it was alive!

ARman

Looks like a ringneck

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
If they’re venomous why couldn’t they hurt a person?

Venomous animals have different types of venom. Not all venom affects other animals the same way. Sometimes it evolves to be most effective against the preferred prey.
The amount of venom available makes a difference; less venom, less effect.
According to the Internet, ringneck snakes’ fangs are at the back of their mouths and make it very difficult for them to bite humans even if they want to.

You guys are right! Never heard of ringsnakes before, but that's what the little guy must have been.

Still giving good marks for behavior, even if his scientific name doesn't mean charming. Almost like he knew I was saving his bacon.