While sorting out a pile of wood at a far end of our property this weekend we discovered a treasure hidden underneath. There were red bellied and common garter snakes - 7 or 8- of them keeping cool. It was all extremely exciting until we discovered one snake who strangely was moving lots, but wasn't going anywhere. This garter snake had found a metal tube, crawled through and to excite tried to squeeze through a very small hole on the side. The far end of the tube was blocked with dirt, leaving its easy exit inaccessible. So, snake was stuck.
This was a thick garter snake, and long, longer than most. Which of course complicated things. After bringing it back to the house, we tried sawing the tube(which was a. metal and b. to close to the snake), we tried cleaning out the dirt and lubing up the snake with water, neither making a difference. By this time the poor snake was quite scared, biting Ben with enough force it took many hands to unlatch him.
Tension and concern were rising. There was real drama happening. Our next solution was to cover the snake in olive oil, attempting to slide in the thinner section. Every time we gained an inch he fought and moved two inches back. Just before we thought we had come to the end of the rope, Chris took a deep breath (and then held it) while gently yet firmly pulled the snake. Success! It came out! less a few scales but all things considering well! Wow were we glad!
Chris and I gave each other the look of disbelief, did that just happen, did we just rescue a snake?
Yup. and the kids wanted me to tell you all about it.
8 comments:
Thumbs up !
Good work everyone :D
me and them :)
PS - I like the changes to your blog set up, very nice !
oh and how is Ben feeling ?
I hope his bite is healing well.
me :)
i think the bite was a little bit like a war wound he takes pride in! the snake really held on! he has been bit before but this time really shocked him i think.
we knew you guys would think the rescue was great! we thought of you!
Aidan says
sorry the snake bit you Ben - it sounds cool - can we see a picture of it? Hope you feel better.
heyy guys its zoe hope you feel better ben and i cant wait 2 see all of you and mabey the snakes!
kay see you soon xoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxox
love zoe
that's so great guys!! what a lucky snake to have been found and rescued!
emma, your blog looks great, i love the picture and your little "blurb" about your family :)
Ben says he is doing well- thanks for thinking of him everyone!
excited to take our visitors to our new snake 'nook'!
thanks amanda!
Congrats on your rescue! There is no feeling like it!
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