I used to have a reptile fascination, and would catch and study every snake, lizard, turtle, etc. that I came across. Been bitten hundreds of times, never made a sore. They're welcome around my pond in small numbers, even water snakes. I will never kill them without a very good reason. Problem is, I presently have a good reason, because I have too many of them. I've killed 3 in the last month, and need to shoot about 10 more. If I could catch them, I would relocate them, but they're too alert and quick. I do have a few king snakes, and I'm sure they are chowing down on the water snakes. If not for them (and birds) I guess I would be over run.
I've fished ponds and lakes where people throw small BG up on the banks, and the watersnakes get too friendly. On more than 1 occasion I caught at least a dozen and threw them as far as I could. They never came back, I guess it made them dizzy. I'm glad mine are shy.
Last edited by bobad; 07/05/09 10:06 PM.
