Copperhead Snake
At The Grower’s Exchange, we like to peacefully share our space with the critters that live around us. We pride ourselves on using natural methods of growing that also encourage the growth of allies in the fight against pests: tree frogs, toads, skinks, black snakes and lizards. We use methods that don’t bother these guys, they in turn feast on pests that get in our way, and it all works pretty well.
Our “open door policy” does occasionally invite a few unwelcomed visitors; last week, this copperhead came calling, and got far too close for comfort. This has been the summer for copperheads – our neighbors have all had them, and one even got “snake bit” and is still suffering. Not life threatening, but pretty darn close. It’s been the talk of the county. And, while away at the Independent Garden Center convention in Chicago, my 15-year-old texted me a picture of a really large copperhead – you have to get pretty close to get a clear picture with a cell phone. Of all the things you worry about when you are away from your teenagers, copperheads were not on my list. Besides that, he’s a bit like his dear old dad, and I knew he’d be way too close for my comfort!
Well, back to the Unwelcomed Visitor. As much as we love nature and want to work in harmony with all the creatures around us, this guy had to go. There are two types of personalities on staff – “terrified of snakes” and “snake handlers.” I fit the last category and I simply escorted my visitor to the door, so to speak. He was deposited at a remote location on the farm, about 500 acres from the greenhouse!