I'm used to visitors in the greenhouse: butterflies, bees, red wasps, ants, spiders, lizards, and the occasional bird. I always assist them to leave unharmed. But I wasn't ready for this: a western coachwhip draped across the succulents. It was a lonnnng snake (4 - 5 ft.), but I knew it was't poisonous. After the initial shock, I didn't panic but ran to get the camera. I took a few photos, then got the broom and gently "uninvited" the interloper. These snakes are beneficial; nice to know they're around. I just didn't want to share my space with it all afternoon!
. I've often wondered how many times I've walked right by one without knowing it. I've walked by so many and didn't realize until I was already past them. I used clippers and cut the briers off a big one once. I'd tromped around in the briers for about three hours picking up limbs and cutting the briers and then I cut those over him. It never moved until I used a pick handle on it. It's a good thing they don't have the personality of a prairie race or rat snake. There'd be a lot more bites.
, " Even this one didn't do anything when he had the opportunity - before his temper got stirred up"
