Snake Wars

Yesterday evening was a bit of war zone down by the pond.  The first confrontation was “Snake vs. Frog“. . .

I was happily minding my own business photographing butterflies on some Joe Pye weeds on the pond banks when there was a BIG commotion in the water!

There was a lot of splashing, and at first I couldn’t tell what was going on.

I thought at first a big frog had just jumped into the water was all, but the frog was swimming most erratically!

The frog struggled valiantly, but he never really had much of a chance.  Once the snake got a good hold, it had the advantage of size and oh yes… a dose of poison.  We’re talking water moccasins here.

Soon then end was in sight. . .

And the short war was over. . .
.

.
And that was the end. Didn’t see the frog again. 

Snakes: 1 – Frog:0

However, the pond appears to have a thriving snake population. This is no surprise considering the heat.  They’re searching for water for one thing.  For another, the pond is a veritable buffet for snakes with all the frogs and other aquatic critters.  So I soon spotted another snake.

This was just too much for The Farmer.  Even though he was hobbling around with a funky orthopedic sandal and big bright green bandage on his foot (had a toenail removed yesterday), he couldn’t stand it.  He went for a gun.

Now it was The Farmer vs. Snakes.

Of course, by the time he hobbled in the house, got a gun out of the safe and loaded it, the two bigger snakes were nowhere to be found.

One little snake, however, wasn’t so smart and had the temerity to show up practically in front of The Farmer.  Bad move.  The Farmer let him have it with both barrels, so to speak.

I don’t think he was hit directly, but died from the shock of the blast concussion.  Sort of like fishing Crocodile Dundee style… with dynamite.

That was an even shorter war. 

The Farmer: 1 – Snakes: 1 – Frog: 0

As many snakes as there are in the pond, I really think the odds are in their favor in the long haul for winning the Snake Wars.