Though I hate to admit it, I can’t take the credit for spotting the snake in this photo. In fact, once I’d moseyed over to the vicinity of the conversation I’d overheard and had it pointed out to me, I still struggled to find it.
Snakes are very, very good at hiding. Though some are active hunters, many favor ambush predation- and they aren’t immune to predation themselves, or fools with shovels. It just doesn’t work out if they’re obvious. This plain-bellied watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster), a derpy non-venomous fish-eater, gives us some examples of their cool adaptations.
Being ectothermic, snakes digest slowly and can go a long time between meals, so they get to hunt on their own terms and only move when needed. The scales of some species like this watersnake are ridged to prevent shine and increase camouflage, and instead of eyelids, all snakes have clear eye caps known as ocular scales, meaning they never even need to blink.
(Note to self: Don’t get into a staring contest with Sir Reginald. Further note: Too late. I lost.)
Just as notable here, though, is that this little dude has a bolt-hole. With only its head sticking out from the burrow it discovered, it has the dual benefit of staying mostly hidden and being able to retreat quickly if it wants, though the trade-off is being unable to bask while underground. How sadly metaphorical that life: You can’t take the sun to your burrow. You must go out to meet it. And with it is danger.
That resonates a little too much. There’s a lot of reasons right now to want to go find somewhere to hide from all the roiling hate fouling our atmosphere. Furthermore, some people have valid reasons to choose the bolt-hole- but most of us don’t. And that majority needs to say enough is enough. If we stop biting our own tails, none of us have to fear the shovel.
I’ve agonized over writing this, as I’ve tried to keep this site a refuge from the ugliness everywhere else. As a person whose fascination with biodiversity leads me to find these animals and write these posts, I would hope it’s no big jump to realize that I also value human diversity- not to mention human rights. But we’ve reached a juncture where letting ambiguity remain feels complicit. So for the record: You will find me squarely against the fascists and the bigots. To my friends and neighbors who have been made into others by the prejudice that this administration so loves, I see you and I will be here for you to the best of my ability.
I will evoke our friend the watersnake once more for some imagined slithery advice. Live your life to the best of your ability, in whatever situation you find yourself. Have a backup plan for if things go wrong. Find joy in what moments you can- though it may not be achieved as simply as the snake does, by eating raw fish whole. And we all need to go out and feel the sun.
Leave a comment