A pleasent surprise.

Discussion in 'The Bucket' started by Corailline, Jul 16, 2014.

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  1. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    This am as I returned home from my walk I pass the usual two older gentlemen, older as in probably over 80 years old. We always do the usual morning hellos and walk on. I can see them walking ahead each on opposite sides of the street.

    As I look to the ground I see something very rare here in Arizona, an Arizona Coral Snake lying in the road on the corner. I am thrilled as this is a big deal for me. I whip out my camera and proceed to take images.

    Well these two gents can see something is happening and they start calling out to me and waving their hands. I yelled back that I had found an Arizona Coral Snake, you should have seen them move. The gentlemen walked as fast as they could to reach me. They were like kids in a candy store as thrilled as I was with this amazing find.

    The three of us together carefully moved the snake out of the road, the men directing the cars around me. While it was a thrill for me, it was obviously something special for them. Tonight at the Elks lodge I know they'll be sharing the Young Whipper Snapper and Coral Snake Story. The happiness I saw in their faces meant more than the rare snake find to me. Thanks for listening.

    [​IMG]
     
    nightster, 1.0reef, Mr. Bill and 4 others like this.
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  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Very cool Cheryl and congrats.
     
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  4. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Thanks John, I am still all giddy over it. It's my third sighting of this snake type in 7 years but I look for snake so I have been lucky. The Arizona Coral Snake is related to the Cobra, same venom type. Their heads are so small and they are a passive snake that there are no recorded deaths in Az, it's a do not handle snake that looks very much like a harmless King Snake type.
     
  5. Roccus

    Roccus Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I'm not a great lover of snakes. Unless I see them first... but I am fascinated by them....and appreciate their place in the eco system...I can't see the picture from work. I'll have to look at it when I get home..
     
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  6. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Very nice.

    We have coral snakes here in NW Florida too, along with moccasins, eastern diamond back rattle snakes, pigmy rattlesnakes and copperheads. I've had encounters with them all, most commonly moccasins. I've never had the privilage (coral) of seeing one in person.

    1454675_10202248745890083_1626758519_n.jpg 1463749_10202247832227242_13126868_n.jpg

    1) Moccasin (Note distinct "cotton mouth")
    2) Diamond Back
     
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  7. Steve34

    Steve34 Feather Star

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    What a beauty! Nice find.
     
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  9. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Yes please take a look, it's an attractive snake as far as snakes go. :)

    Hey Kevin,

    I have never seen a Moccasin in real life, that would be a treat. A guy recently died from a bite, his was an anaphylatic reaction, the snake bit the guy 3 times.

    In Az we has 17 different types of Rattlers. Last year I saw at least one a week, this year only once.
    Thanks Steve. :)
     
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  10. Camkha1234

    Camkha1234 Great Blue Whale

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    Very cool. It's a beautiful snake and it's great you were lucky enough to find it. Great story as well.
     
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  11. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Thanks Cam.

    The last two I have found were also during the monsoon season. Both were in the parking lot by my car at night. I have never been fortunate enough to get an image.
     
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  12. zesty

    zesty Sailfin Tang

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    So, what you're saying is, an Arizona Coral Snake is rare in Arizona?? :cool:

    Cool looking snake for sure! I would have done the same thing
     
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