Snake in the Park

About a week ago, the boys and I went to the park for our weekly homeschool play day. We met up with a number of other homeschool families. There were about 7 moms and about 15 kids. All the kids ran off to play as usual and we moms sat down on the grass near the play area to chat. We had been there for about 1 1/2 hours when suddenly something caught my eye. I took a second look and then said to the group "Is that a snake?" Of course everyone yelled "Where!" all at once and I pointed out what I was seeing. There, right in the middle of the play area, underneath the play structure, was a snake with its head up, just gazing around. We quickly got all the kids out of the play area and then got a better look at the critter. Thankfully, it was not a rattle snake which are common to our area, but just a rat snake. Still, it was about 4 feet long and in the play area of the park!! We called animal control and then waited around to keep an eye on the thing. Apparently, once all the kids were out of the play area it decided it should make a dash for freedom. I can only imagine what it must have been thinking while they were all in there playing. It was kind of hidden under the base of the main play structure and it blended in nicely with the bark ground cover. I am sure it felt trapped with 15 pairs of feet stampeeding around it in a game of tag. Once all the racket had ceased it headed out for greener pastures. We did our best to keep it in the general area until animal control arrived. Once they did, the chase was on. I never knew how fast a snake could move! It kind of freaked me out. I am NOT a snake person!!!! Thankfully, the animal control guy was wearing nice thick boots because that snake did NOT want to be caught. The snake struck and bit at his boots a number of times. EEK! He finally caught the thing and once he had it under control, he let all the kids touch it. Of course, they thought this was the coolest thing ever. YUCK!

I can honestly say that I do not need to see another snake in the wild for a LONG time!!! We have lived here for nearly 9 years and although I know a number of people who have seen snakes and scorpions in their yards or around town, and even know of two who have been bitten by a rattler, I never had seen any. I had developed a false sense of security and I liked it that way. I know it is important to be ever vigilant and aware, for safety's sake, and this experience has renewed my awareness. Since that day, I find myself doing a cursory check around any area where my kids will be playing prior to letting them run. I know I cannot protect them from EVERYTHING, but I will do my best.

Anyway, here are a few pictures of the snake. One of the other moms happened to have a camera with her. Enjoy.