I went to grab the camera as Edward headed out. That's me, camera first, safety second. Or at least that was the case with the alligator. As I got there Edward said it's not a ratter. Yeah, I said, looks like a python.
A Ball Python, to be exact. The poor thing was looking for a spot of warm sun on the cold driveway. It was a chilly day, high maybe 60F. Cold weather for a snake. I'm not exactly sure what the squirrel thought it would accomplish, but it moved off after we got out there.
Now what?
We wanted to catch the snake. It's a non-native species, and non-native species are wreaking havoc in the Everglades. This guy also looked like someone’s pet. I got my garden gloves and we got a box. By the time I got back out there the snake was off the driveway and at the base of the oak tree. I distracted it with one hand and picked it up with the other. Not much fight in the guy, he was in a torpor from the weather.
Again, now what?
I walked next door to ask if they had a snake. Yes. Did it get loose? No. Would you like another one? No... well. At that point the oldest daughter said, "I want to see it..."
So they came over and took a look. He was a beautiful snake. Shades of light and dark brown with a light colored belly, maybe 18 inches long. Full grown for a Ball Python. My neighbor noticed some of his side scales were roughed up. Maybe the squirrel had scored a hit, counted coup. We'll keep him, she said. We have a spare cage.
So they took the snake in and will give him a home. Maybe put up a sign: "Lost snake." I got to hold him one more time, this time without the gloves. He cured up into, well, a ball in my hand. Thus, the name. I love snakes. Their skin feels so cool, literally and figuratively.
There's always a good feeling when you can save a creature, and it's even better when you know that the creature was most assuredly lost. Hope he does OK in his new home. It's certainly a better life then on some cold concrete on a chilly Florida afternoon.
