My new pet 'Murphy'

17 years ago

I'm putting in a pond where an above ground pool used to be partially buried. I'm in the process of deciding exactly how I want it done (ie stalling) Putting in the bottom drain is going to be a lot of work. :P

Meanwhile, the hole has filled with water due to all the rain we've had recently. I put in a couple water plants in pots and enjoy the polywogs and such. If we had enough rainfall I'd keep it this way, but alas, we don't.

This morning my son found a Blotched water snake. They do sort of look like Water Moccasins if you don't know to look for the pits,vents, and the bulkier head that houses the sacs. I'm only on 1/4 acre in the suburbs with my wee 3,000 gallon pond. I want to keep "Murphy" but I'm afraid the neighbors will kill him thinking he's venoumous if he wanders out of my garden. He flattens his head and makes it look like it's diamond shaped. He's also fairly aggressive. Should I be selfish and keep him in my yard or should I relocate him out to the retainer pond out in the field? PJ

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Comments (13)

marlingardener
17 years ago
Pjtexgirl,
Think what is best for "Murphy", and not what you would prefer. Relocating is the kindest thing you could do. Murphy will probably respond to your thoughtfulness by cutting down on the rodent population that might come out of the field and into your garden.
Most people react emotionally to snakes, and never consider that they might be beneficial. Don't count on your neighbors understanding that "Murphy" is non-venomous. You have a fairly aggressive, fanged snake in your yard. Not good for you, not good for the snake.
jolanaweb
17 years ago
PJ, first of all I can't believe you got rid of the pool. A blotched water snake is mean and if you want toads and frogs, forget it

They strike if you just get close and tho it is good you know what he is, your neighbors most likely won't and with the BWS's behavior they will definitely think it is a bad snake and kill it
They shake their tail like a rattler, flatten their upper body like a viper and have you ever smelled their "musk" it is not pleasant

I have been bitten 2 times in the last couple of decades and one bite got infected.
I say relocate, or let him come and go but watch out for those beautiful boys of yours and make sure they know he is around but don't try to keep him
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User
17 years ago
Eeek jolanaweb! Maybe if you relocate him, you can get a friendlier snake for mouse control.

I was going to ask if you are going on the pond tour this weekend, pj? We got a lot of good ideas there before building our last pond.
denisew
17 years ago
Non-venomous water snakes can be aggressive and will bite. I appreciate what snakes do for the rodent population, but also think he (or she) would be better off relocated rather than risking the neighbors killing it. He probably will not stay put in your garden and pond either. It is a wild animal - not a pet, although I do check on my "babies" in my pond which are toad tadpoles. But, they go off on their own to who knows where and I have already seen the baby toads on the other side of our yard. I would not want a snake taking up residence in my yard. The neighbors just wouldn't get it (the appreciation for wildlife).
oak_rock_deer
17 years ago
Best to relocate the snake. An aggressive, nonvenomous snake can give a nasty bite. I was bitten by a whipsnake some years ago. The fangs are curved and tear the skin causing severe pain and swelling.
melvalena
17 years ago
PJ,
in addition to the human safety factor, I am concerned for your dogs. They are curious and are in danger of antagonizing the snake, which will end up with them getting bit. I also opt for the relocating the snake.
PKponder TX Z7B
17 years ago
Ditto on the relocation, for all of the reasons already voiced.

I'm so happy you're building a pond. I think bottom drains are the bomb, even if the plumbing gives me a headache. Do you already have enough water plants and lilies?

Pam
pjames
17 years ago
You might also lose some of the fish you put into your new pond.
prairiepaintbrush
17 years ago
Oh, PJ, I just love you! I love that you know what kind of snake it is. I love that you named it. I love that you want to keep it and I love that you want what is best for it. I guess since you only have 1/4 acre I'd have to agree with everyone. There is so much good snake territory in the Benbrook lake area... and I'm sure also where you are now. Move Murphy somewhere and then keep an eye out for Jolene, his wife. You can reunite them! :)
wayne_mo
17 years ago
The good news is either option is fine. I don't think its selfish to leave the snake alone and let it come and go as it pleases, nor is it a problem to move it.

I leave snakes be in my small suburban yard all the time. The neighbors cats are harder on them than the neighbors, but the snakes have predators (including feral cats) in wilder areas too.

You can't guarantee the snake's survival in either place and the snake poses no threat in either place.
maden_theshade
17 years ago
PJ, what happened w/ Murphy?
ltcollins1949
17 years ago
I agree with relocation, if you are that brave. How are you going to do it?

I'm coming to grips with leaving the non-poisonous snakes in my yard, i.e. the non-agressive ones, but I am afraid I have to admit that agressive and poisonous snakes won't live long in my yard if I see them. I have too many kids and dogs in my yard to take a chance. With the drought, I see at least one snake daily here, but so far this year, they have been ribbon snakes. If I see another coral, it will not be here long. I've killed two of them in the past couple of years right up next to my front door.

Most people won't put up with snakes in their yards, so you would do the snake a favor by relocation.
rick_mcdaniel
17 years ago
Relocate him. Easiest for all concerned, including him.