A Love Letter to the Black Snakes of the Appalachian Trail
Dear black snake,
I know I didnt make a great first impression when we met. There you were, sunning yourself on the Appalachian Trail during a warm spring day in Georgia. And there I was, a blundering hiker still breaking in her first pair of trail shoes, quite unlearned in the ways of the outdoors. I apologize for the many colorful and totally inappropriate words I said when I first saw you.
It wasnt you, black snake. It was me.
You see, I didnt know how incredibly cool you were when I met you. And let me be clear, black snake: you are pretty much the coolest.
How, you may ask?
You’re cool, black snake, because you hunt what we humans consider to be vermin; mice and rats are at the top of your menu. As a hiker whos shared shelters with mice, whos had her food bag chewed through by mice, I greatly appreciate your service in keeping the rodents from getting out of control.
Youre cool because you are not a venomous snake. Your species is a constrictor, and so youre pretty harmless to us humans. When the mother of this hiker was researching all the dangerous snakes on the Appalachian Trail, you were not on that list. Thanks for teaching us how to spot the differences between venomous and non-venomous snakes. It’s important for us to learn about you and all the other snakes of the Appalachian Trail, so we can better understand and respect your role in the AT ecosystem.
Youre quite chill with letting hikers carefully step over you while you sunbathe on the trail. Sometimes you even pose for photos. Your calm temperament is one of my favorite things about you.
You have a cool scientific name. Pantherophis obsoletus. Youre the panther of the snake world.
You hold the record for the longest snake in North America (8 feet and 5 inches).
I know you have a rough childhood. Youre so small when youre born, you’re often prey yourself, even to other snakes. And when you grow up, we humans become one of your greatest predators.
When you feel threatened, you wrinkle yourself together and shake your tail. We know youre not actually venomous, but youre pretty smart to have picked up that trick from the rattlesnake. Sorry if we humans ever made you scared and sorry for calling you stinky. You only release that smelly musk because you dont like to be picked up, and hikers should know better than to disturb you like that.
And youre pretty cool, black snake, for putting up with us hikers. The mountains are your home, and were just visitors passing through. And even though humans sometimes dont treat you very well, youre there for us every year, ready to eat the mice at our shelters and remind us to enjoy the sunshine. Thats pretty cool of you, black snake.
So thanks again, black snake, for everything you do.
Much love.
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Comments 6
Very nice article. ..getting the information out there regarding black sbakes so hikers and hunters don’t kill them when they cross paths. I’ve been camping many times in the Smokey Mountains and surrounding areas and come across many of them. I’ve even picked a couple up going crossing an open road, after they calm down they are very docile. Long live the black snake. Thank you.
is there any unwritten rule that says we cant carry a king snake with us on the trail, ya know, for when we do encounter the rattlesnakes?
Loved it!
One of the best pieces I have seen on Badger. Almost, makes you want to hug these guys. While I do not carry mice (not intentionally), I did offer one an “M&M peanut” but my black snake friend refused: conclusion—they are probably allergic to peanuts. Love those guys.
And the black rat snake is also a great climber. Look for it overhead in trees often sunning or feeding on innocent little song-bird or raiding their nests of eggs!!!! There’s a reason the good lord made snakes to slither on their bellies!!!
Awesome! Nice to see a little love for a little less iconic, but no less important, resident on the trail.