Changing how we see - Rough Earth Snake

Wait! Don’t kill it. Most people I know kill any snakes they find at home. I found this tiny rough earth snake already deceased on my walkway.

They are not venomous and will not hurt you. They actually may help.

He was probably stepped on by my mailperson or dropped by one of the hawks that hangs out in our trees. They are food for the birds we love. When I see creatures that are new to me I always research their role in keeping the natural environment balanced. They normally live underground and probably came out because of our recent rains.

HUMAN CONNECTIONS

What is the value of a small snake that most people never see? Many believe that each species has its own intrinsic value, a worthiness that exists regardless of any human view. But economists are showing that nature, in a healthy, pristine condition, has tremendous value in hard dollars, too.

ECOSYSTEM CONNECTIONS

AS PREDATORS, EARTHSNAKES CONTROL POPULATIONS OF EARTHWORMS, SNAILS, SLUGS, AND INSECTS. MANY LARGER ANIMALS, INCLUDING OTHER SNAKES, MAMMALS, AND PREDATORY BIRDS, WILL EAT THEM WHEN THEY CAN CATCH THEM. THE DANGER OF PREDATION EXPLAINS THE EARTHSNAKE’S CAMOUFLAGE COLORATION AND SECRETIVE HABIT.

In Houston it is important to note that these creatures live underground creating cavities. When we have rains these cavities become miniature underground reservoirs, holding rain for for drier days.

and we all know that native 🐝 often occupy cavities vacated by other underground dwelling creatures. 🤜🏼🤛🏾 🐍

If you want to make small changes change how you do things if you want to make big changes change how you see.

I see the rough earth snake as a creature I want in my yard.