Image via Wikipedia

I live in Arkansas
Have always loved outdoors
I could easily wander carefree
But some things I cannot ignore

I am fascinated by any wild animal
Most fascinating are snakes
Just saying snakes sends shivers
So lets not make any mistakes

Snakes are very good
They are great at mouse control
And are a food for birds of prey
They are mostly a harmless soul

So do not have so much fear
Only seven people die each year
From the bite of a snake
Falling out of bed killed more I fear

Snakes only attack when threatened
People are not food to them
So when you see one
Just be calm and observe them

Here in Arkansas
You can find six venomous snakes
Many just say poisonous
Let me tell you about these snakes

First there is the Copperhead
Most commonly light brown to rust
They have distinct hourglass pattern
And are the least you can trust

Next is Pygmy Rattlesnake
A small member of the rattlesnake family
Rarely longer than two feet
Venom is not strong enough to kill thee

Most feared is the Water Moccasin
This one is rather aggressive
A large bodied snake whose head is even bigger
Watching it swim is so deceptive

He will stand his ground
They coil up and open their mouths
If you see the cotton in side their mouth
It is certainly time to go south

Now the pretty Coral Snake
The most easily to identify
Red, yellow and black bands
If red touch yellow, time to fly

Becoming rare is the Timber Rattlesnake
Because most people kill these on sight
An adult can get as long as five feet
Venom is highly toxic, so it good to have fright

Image via Wikipedia

The largest is the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
They are aggressive and coil when they make rattle
Venom is most potent in their boxy heads
Don’t stay cause you will lose this battle

Now you know the six I watch out for
Got my camera handy so I can get their picture
They fascinate me so much
Just because they are God’s creatures

More of my writings:

• Bright Eyed Day
• Summer River Camping
• Across the Back Yard