Northern Water Snake Massacre

[John_White]

http://www.whitecrocodile.com/snake_gore.jpg

Unfortunately, people still kill snakes every day, however it becomes another issue when a newspaper glorifies such actions. If you feel so inclined, respectfully let the editor of the Page News and Courier, Randy Arrington -editor@pagenewspaper know what you think.

[RevMojo]

Atrocity

[VoodooChile]

When did this happen? They classify them as water moccassins and then state they were non venomous...WTHeck?

I'll be sending a polite email

[John_White]

Originally Posted by VoodooChile

When did this happen? They classify them as water moccassins and then state they were non venomous...WTHeck?
I'll be sending a polite email

The snakes were killed on 8/27/06. The paper ran the photo in early Sept. (not sure of the exact date). The killers identified the snakes as "moccasin snakes" however the eastern cottonmouth does not occur in that part of the state.

The closest known current cottonmouth population to Page Co., VA is separated by a mountain range and a distance of approx 100-120 miles.
Thanks for sending the polite email.

	Cottonmouth Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) - Also known as a Water Moccasin.

[VoodooChile]

LOL...I dont know how POLITE it turned out..lol
But I think I made my point without making a fool of myself, which is usually a plus

[VoodooChile]

I just sent the email, and I included a copy of the map to show the distribution area does not extend to the county.

My email:

I was horrified and astonished to see the "Snakes Galore" story of Aug 29, 2006, glorified in your newspaper.

The snakes eradicated were two generations of what is believed to be harmless water snakes.

While I understand many people still kill snakes and view them as 'vicious' and 'evil'. Many renowned herpetologists and conservationists, such as Mark O'Shea and Steve Irwin have dedicated their lives to changing people's outlook and reactions to these animals, and educating people to the importance of the serpent presence in the ecosystem as both predator, and prey. Yes, even the venomous ones are important and needed.

This particular article in your newspaper involving the senseless killing of two generations of harmless water snakes is disgusting and promotes intolerance and cruelty. I would HOPE if it were dogs or cats Mr Ryder had slaughtered, your publication of the matter would have been much different, although I have my doubts now.

Thanks to the ignorance of men like Mr. Ryder, and the condoning of such acts from publications such as yours, the lifetime works of people like the late Steve Irwin are completely disregarded.

Killing a snake by thrashing it with a shovel, or beheading it is not an immediate death. These animals are quite capable of pain. Perhaps when certain bird and fish populations dwindle, and scientists discover it is due to lack of their prey items, including snakes, people will put a stop to this senseless killing, and not condone such behaviors.

If the snakes were needing to be removed, there are many licensed and knowledgable resources to contact to provide such a service. The provider usually captures and contains the animals with little or no stress, and no injury. Most of these services are at minimal cost

I would also like to add MANY envenomations have occurred as a result of attempting to kill a venomous snake. It has been proven that a decapitated snake is still quite capable of envenomation. It is best to leave the snake alone, or contact animal control authorities or someone knowledgable in removing and relocating snakes.

Thank you for your time in reading this email, and I hope that in the future, you will try to be objective in your reporting and not condone the eradication of native animals.

Sincerely,

[telefrag]

I think someone in VA needs to go to his house, leave a flaming bag of dog poo on his porch and ring the bell.

sounds like its right on his intellect level