| |
|
|
July 3, 2005. It's 10:45 PM, several hours after sunset. The steel framework of the control tower at the UP Longview Yard still holds much heat from the hot July day. At the top of the first flight of stairs going up the tower, an adult snake rests, enjoying the heat from the framework. Suddenly, there is activity, an approaching human. In an aggressive character, the snake strikes out, even though the threat is still out of range. This is a fatal reaction for the snake. Had the snake remained motionless, the oncoming yardmaster may not have seen him in the dim light on the tower steps. Now, the startled railroad man is aware of its presence. The man alerted the offgoing yardmaster and both men came down. By this time, the snake had dropped off to the concrete pad beneath the tower. One of the men went to the railroad car repair shed and came back with a suitable piece of metal for throwing. In the photo linked below, you can see the scarred concrete, the concrete powder on the missile, and the blood-stained point of impact on the pad. And, of course, the now-deceased snake. At first, we thought it was a copperhead. However, internet research has led me to believe it is the aggressive Texas Ratsnake. Both species are known for striking at the first sign of danger even though the strike may be just at empty space.
Here are a some links to give some background about these two snakes.
Texas Ratsnake
  |
