During the summer, it is common to see snakes at various places around the lake. Some are poisonous and some are not. Though these creatures have a certain charm and intrigue about them, my favorite way to observe them is definitely from a distance.
“Distance lends enchantment to the view.” ~Mark Twain
‘Tis the season — snake season that is. While walking to a shed in my backyard earlier in the week, I felt impressed to look back along the path I’d just walked. Glancing back, I saw this snake outstretched, with his head held high and his tongue hissing. Though not poisonous, it was, nonetheless, a bit unsettling to have such a close and unexpected encounter. Today as I walked along that path, I knew to keep a close eye out for my new found friend.
“Look back, and smile on perils past.” ~Walter Scott
While walking around the boardwalk at Reelfoot Lake, we came upon a large number of water snakes that were swirling ferverishly in the water. We were not sure at the time what we were witnessing, but have since found out that it was a breeding or mating ball. In the spring, female snakes put off a pheromone scent which attracts males. The male snakes then track the female, and a breeding ball occurs when there are many males competing over the same female. In these photos, the female is the largest snake.
And since pictures don’t do the situation justice, here is a short video clip that gives a better idea of what a breeding ball looks like.
“Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.” ~Alfred Hitchcock
Due to heavy rains, the Mississippi River recently overflowed its banks and went beyond the tree line. These photos were taken on the levee near Tiptonville, TN.
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Rain water also encroached on the land surrounding Reelfoot Lake. This brought some animals in closer than they might usually come.
“Many waters cannot quench love, Nor will rivers overflow it …” ~Song of Solomon 8:7
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” ~John Muir
I almost walked right into this garter snake before I eventually saw him. He blended in with his surroundings quite well.
Long slithering snake
gliding over the water
Swiftly swimming by.
Black rat snakes are beneficial to farmers because they help control the rodent population. This was one long snake!
This snake recently found its way into our yard. Our dogs were pretty inhospitable towards it, and eventually, it slithered away. I love my dogs.
