Andrew and other searchers through brush and under rocks,

When we go out looking for herps, our activities look pretty much like a
bunch of folks searching for land snails.  The difference is we carry large
pillowcase-like bags instead of small zip lock bags.  But we are also
looking into bushes and of course, under every rock that can be humanly
turned (and then returned to the same spot).

What we don't do is reach under a rock to turn it without first looking,
very carefully.  Most of the smaller rocks can be turned with a snake stick.
Mine is a large hook meant to hang a bicycle or something similar in the
garage that I have screwed into the end of a five-foot long broom stick.
This hook is used to handle and pin venomous reptiles but more importantly
it is really handy for turning rocks without bending over and without the
risk of putting your fingers under the rock.  The same stick is used to poke
a bush a bit before really digging into it.  As a shell collector, the hook
would be handy but even if you just had a stick to poke into the bush first,
I would think it would be a help.

I have found that non-herp people will just not see 95% of the snakes
encountered.  This has been demonstrated time and again when I took people
into the field.  The vast majority of snakes will just lay still and not
move as you walk by.  And, of coure, my recomendation is to just walk by.
Live and let live.

I always wear boots in the field, but I wear them at home so this is no big
deal.  Anyway, boots with jeans over the top provide a pretty good cushion
against a bite.  A pretty good cushion.  A really big rattler or a really
pissed off rattler will go right through boot leather.  As I said, normally
you will not even see the snake as it will freeze in place.  Most bites
occur because the snake is messed with or stepped on.  The last is
unfortunate but the first is inexcusable.  If you see a snake under a rock
or in the shade of a bush, just leave it be and tell yourself there weren't
any shells worth having there anyway.  A great many strikes are "dry" bites.
The snake is just defending itself and not injecting a load of venom (which
is really used to subdue and help digest prey).


In summary: 1.  look before you step or reach (carry a stick), 2.  wear
boots and long pants, 3.  if you see a snake leave it be -- just press on.

I applaud your live and let live attitude.  Many people are a bit irrational
about snakes and would kill every one.  As animals, snakes surely have as
important a role in the overall environmental scheme as any mollusk.  Boy, I
can see the letters now.

I will be participating in Reptile Day at the Rio Grande Nature Center this
weekend.  We set up a number of cages with mostly local reptiles, but some
exotics, and attempt to educate people on the do's and don'ts with herps.
As our city fairly explodes with new housing and development, snake
encounters are guaranteed.  We just want them to be painless for both
parties.  Like not overcollecting shells or destroying a reef, we must also
let our ever shrinking spots that haven't been paved, serve the creatures
who were there long before we arrived.

See ya,

Tom Eichhorst in New Mexico, USA