Spending summers at my grandparents farm as a kid, I never developed a fear of snakes that some folks have. Blacksnakes were pretty common on the farm, and some reached a length of 4 to 5 ft. We were told to leave them alone. My grandpa said they were helpful to keep mice out of the feedsacks which were stacked in the barn. I've only seen 1 rattlesnake in my life. While bailing hay, my brother turned over a bail, and a smaller 12" rattlesnake was coiled up there. We stood back and he slithered across the pasture.That was over 50yrs ago. Cottonmouth moccasins are scarce in my area also. I havnt seen one in at least 20yrs. Last year, at a quarry lake we fished I saw more copperheads than I've seen in several years. In September we saw probably 20 or so, and I've since learned these breed in the fall of the year. Like most wild creatures, they can have some years when they're more plentiful. This is the only venomous snake close by us. I've walked around countless ponds, lakes, creeks, and some rivers while fishing. I've never been bitten by a snake. I'm not afraid of them, but won't go as far as to say I like them either. What snakes are in your area? Have you had any bad experience with them? I've heard and read some things over the years, especially with rattlesnakes and cottonmouths.It seems like with most snakes, just leave them alone, and they'll leave you alone too. Any snake problems for you guys?
