A rattlesnake loose in the living room tends to end all discussion of animal rights. ~ Lance Morrow
Ah, wilderness.
The area we live in is largely undeveloped and the landscape uncultivated, filled with mesquite, yucca, and desert grass.
Everyday it’s alive with roadrunners, rabbits, and coyotes, and other critters that are mostly harmless. Some are them are sort of cute.
But we’ve got rattlesnakes, too, the most common poisonous snake here in New Mexico.
Not so cute.
Can’t blame snakes for coming out to enjoy the warmer weather. They’ve got to get from point A to point B just like we do.
So what to do when you meet one?
Local acquaintances, long-time residents of the area, have offered well-meaning advice:
- See a snake at your front door? Go out the side door. Or the back door. Or order in.
- Never stick your hand under a rock without first overturning it with a stick. (Duh!)
And I read on Wikipedia that rattlesnakes ~
- “will generally avoid humans if they are aware of their approach,” and
- “rarely bite unless they feel threatened.“
But is going around all day shouting with both hands up truly the best way to go about avoiding them?
Ahhh . . . . . no.
So, in the end,
This is how we tamed our Wild West backyard:
We had a stone wall built as a barrier.
It’s high enough to discourage the rattlers.
Our new wall, built from “rainbow rock” – a stone from local (Mesilla Valley) quarries.
Yet low enough for us to keep our view of the mountains and the wild animals that occasionally come over them ~ like bobcats and cougars – from a distance!
What boundaries, physical or otherwise, could you set up to enjoy life more?
PHOTO CREDIT
Featured image, Western Diamondback Rattlesnake by TomSpinker.
Why did I just lose my fervor to visit your neck of the woods? Lol!
This brought back childhood memories of living in a wooden house with Coral snakes in the ceiling during the rainy season. My Dad had a keen ear for them and pursued and killed them with his machete without fail. We often felt sorry for them since they were so beautiful in color. I am still amazed at how casually we survived those days.
Of course, those experiences pale to the number of people who waste my time these days with idle chatter. So, to answer the question, I need to set boundaries regarding how much time I am willing to waste. I would enjoy my life more by growing spiritually and sharing the Good News!
Would you believe . . .of the eight varieties of poisonous snakes in NM, seven are rattlers, the eighth is the coral snake!? Come on over – you’ll feel right at home! ;~)
Amen to your resolve to grow spiritually. I understand your challenge, too many folks like the ones Zig Ziglar is referring to when he asks: “Why is it always that people who have nothing to do want to do it with you?”