Yesterday--black rat snake, today our first coral snake in the wild! Even Duane was excited to see this beautiful snake while we were on the trail!
I first disturbed this one about a foot from the trail. It didn't want to pose for my camera but took off away from us. When I saw it stop at the base of this tree about 15-20 feet away, Duane tried for photos with his phone.
When tree stopped its flight, (middle, right)
it turned and tried to hide in the leaf litter (same position).
Closeups
There are four venomous snakes in Texas--rattlesnake, copperhead, water moccasin, and coral snake. The coral snake is unique for several reasons. It is a cousin of the cobra. Next to the black mamba, it has the second most toxic venom in the world. It is considered less dangerous than a rattlesnake because it doesn't coil and strike as a rattlesnake does. Instead it is shy and docile, preferring hiding to aggressive behavior. It farts. When it is threatened or startled it makes a popping noise by passing gas. It is the only egg-laying venomnous snake native to the United States. The others give birth to live young.
Interesting and beautiful--like us!
Louise and Duane
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