Desert Tale. Being Aware of the Natural Risks

[Micron Creek]

Whilst on a hike, possibility seemed to shine from every direction. There is much to be done in preparation for next season, which would include getting proper outdoor plots turned and choosing new ones. However, in haste I did not consider everything to be found

 

[Micron Creek]

One can predict basic factors like proper orientation, weather patterns, and avg annual rainfall. A host of environmental circumstances are considered in order to have a measure of success. Pest occurence can also be figured out in order to combat the multitudes effectively.

 

[Micron Creek]

Lastly one must consider the wildlife that pose a threat to safe plots, the seen and unseen. The insect and the cloven-hoofed, that come to hinder and destroy. The creatures who can pose as much danger to human as he does himself. Very few creatures can make this claim.

 

[Micron Creek]

What one must consider are those creatures gifted with natural weapons to defend themselves. In the bush, one can never let their guard down. Fore a lapse in attention can cost more than we have. What poses such a threat?

 

[Micron Creek]

In some places, creatures make themselves known as carnivores, some fiercer than others. Anything from coyote to cougar could be behind the next boulder. To know the wildlife of the area can keep you alive. No one wants anything more than to enjoys nature's bounty, but be aware that one could be sharing the desert with many different species. If one is assured that such predators are not a concern, then one must consider what's left. The most dangerous of creatures are actually smaller and unassuming.

 

[Micron Creek]

The creatures that pose a major concern for many who enjoy nature are those creatures that carry venom. The venomous spider, the scorpion, the wasp, the bee, and the largest, the venomous snake. Some are able to cause fatalities in an instant, others cause horrible allergic reactions

 

[Micron Creek]

What you are seeing is a very young Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Thank goodness a hiking partner pointed this out, as it slithered out of the brush and out into the open sand

 

[Micron Creek]

Before it slithered back into the brush where it is pictured here, it had slithered along behind me looking at my person as a potential meal, and a threat. As I tried to walk around it, it would not stop following me as I backed up. Then it began to raise into that familiar coil, ready to strike. I couldn't believe it, but it made a strike at a stick I had held out to distance myself. There is no mistake what this creature was, even though it was supposed to be extremely rare in the area. Western diamondbacks are venomous from birth as are many other venomous creatures. As any outdoors enthusiast knows, be prepared for the unexpected and always use caution. No outdoor plot is worth an e.r. visit or an early grave. I had been expecting great things, but this has sharply snapped me back to the reality of urban sprawl. The fact that we share our environment with other life forms that defend themselves, hunt, and live their lives regardless of our intent to overgrow the world. Be safe out there my friends. More to come.

 

[Habitual]

Rem 870 nuff said

 

[Croakersoaker]

That is definitely Not a western diamondback rattlesnake. It is either a gopher snake or a bull snake . Definitely not venomous either.but I sure there are rattlesnakes out there