We've recently cleaned up our back yard and spread some pea gravel where
no grass will grow. It was always muddy when it would rain, so we gave
up and just weeded the sparse grass down that did come up along with any
weeds. The pea gravel looks nice in the path, but today we found a good
size garter snake right in the middle of the gravel sunning itself.
I've read they like to do that sort of thing, but now I'm not so sure if
it's such a good thing, although we let it go in the back part of the yard.

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering creature.
I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

--
Maggie

On 06/11/2015 7:03 PM, Muggles wrote:
....

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering creature.
I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

Possibly if it was otherwise yet cool; they are, after all, not mammalian.

If it was a garter snake it is certainly _not_ venomous and harmless;
it'll catch and dispose of rodents and the like as a side benefit...

--

On Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 7:03:52 PM UTC-5, Muggles wrote:
We've recently cleaned up our back yard and spread some pea gravel where
no grass will grow. It was always muddy when it would rain, so we gave
up and just weeded the sparse grass down that did come up along with any
weeds. The pea gravel looks nice in the path, but today we found a good
size garter snake right in the middle of the gravel sunning itself.
I've read they like to do that sort of thing, but now I'm not so sure if
it's such a good thing, although we let it go in the back part of the yard.

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering creature.
I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

--
Maggie

No they are not venomous...they have reverse fangs that can snag and cause bleeding. I have been bitten many times...some are aggressive if you mess with them. I don't think this will be a reoccurring problem.

On Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 7:03:52 PM UTC-5, Muggles wrote:
We've recently cleaned up our back yard and spread some pea gravel where
no grass will grow. It was always muddy when it would rain, so we gave
up and just weeded the sparse grass down that did come up along with any
weeds. The pea gravel looks nice in the path, but today we found a good
size garter snake right in the middle of the gravel sunning itself.
I've read they like to do that sort of thing, but now I'm not so sure if
it's such a good thing, although we let it go in the back part of the yard.

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering creature.
I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

--
Maggie

I'd worry about dinosaurs sunning themselves on your pea gravel path. I hear they're quite fond of pea gravel. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Dino Monster

Muggles " writes:

We've recently cleaned up our back yard and spread some pea gravel where
no grass will grow. It was always muddy when it would rain, so we gave
up and just weeded the sparse grass down that did come up along with any
weeds. The pea gravel looks nice in the path, but today we found a good
size garter snake right in the middle of the gravel sunning itself.
I've read they like to do that sort of thing, but now I'm not so sure if
it's such a good thing, although we let it go in the back part of the yard.

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering creature.
I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

They are not a problem.
Just saw one near my garage.
I just used a broom to send it away.

I don't know why they sometimes seek open spaces,
it's like asking to be eaten by larger birds, raccoons, cats.

--
Dan Espen

On 06/11/2015 06:03 PM, Muggles wrote:
I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering creature.
I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

Snakes are good luck. The bigger ones help to thin out the mouse herds.
Unless it's six feet long with rattles ignore it.

Muggles" " xyz wrote:
We've recently cleaned up our back yard and spread some pea gravel
where no grass will grow. It was always muddy when it would rain, so
we gave
up and just weeded the sparse grass down that did come up along with
any weeds. The pea gravel looks nice in the path, but today we found
a good size garter snake right in the middle of the gravel sunning
itself.
I've read they like to do that sort of thing, but now I'm not so sure
if it's such a good thing, although we let it go in the back part of
the yard.

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering
creature. I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're
venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

Garter snakes are not venomous. In the US, there are four types of venomous
snakes...

1. rattle snake (numerous species)

2. copperhead

3. cotton mouth moccasin

4. coral snake

The first three are all pit vipers. Pit vipers have triangular shaped
heads; the iris of their eyes is a vertical slit (like cats) rather than
round. They are all easily identified by he triangular head. In addition...

Rattle snakes have the rattle

Cotton mouths have a white mouth interior; mature ones are almost black
and are chunky.

Copperheads have alternating, irregular bands of brown/reddish brown and
tan/cream. Unfortunately, so do some non-venomous snakes.

Coral snakes have alternating bands of red, yellow and black; so do some
very beneficial king snakes.You can distinguish them because the red and
yellow bands of the coral snake touch; they do not in the king snake.
Additionally, coral snakes have a black snout, kings do not.

All snakes, even the venomous ones, are beneficial. Leave them be.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

Winters getting colder? Tired of the rat race?
Taxes out of hand? Maybe just ready for a change?
Check it out... http://www.floridaloghouse.net

On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 6:41:12 AM UTC-5, dadiOH wrote:

All snakes, even the venomous ones, are beneficial. Leave them be.

+1

On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 6:41:12 AM UTC-5, dadiOH wrote:
Muggles" " xyz wrote:
We've recently cleaned up our back yard and spread some pea gravel
where no grass will grow. It was always muddy when it would rain, so
we gave
up and just weeded the sparse grass down that did come up along with
any weeds. The pea gravel looks nice in the path, but today we found
a good size garter snake right in the middle of the gravel sunning
itself.
I've read they like to do that sort of thing, but now I'm not so sure
if it's such a good thing, although we let it go in the back part of
the yard.

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering
creature. I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're
venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

Garter snakes are not venomous. In the US, there are four types of venomous
snakes...

1. rattle snake (numerous species)

2. copperhead

3. cotton mouth moccasin

4. coral snake

The first three are all pit vipers. Pit vipers have triangular shaped
heads; the iris of their eyes is a vertical slit (like cats) rather than
round. They are all easily identified by he triangular head. In addition...

Rattle snakes have the rattle

Cotton mouths have a white mouth interior; mature ones are almost black
and are chunky.

Copperheads have alternating, irregular bands of brown/reddish brown and
tan/cream. Unfortunately, so do some non-venomous snakes.

Coral snakes have alternating bands of red, yellow and black; so do some
very beneficial king snakes.You can distinguish them because the red and
yellow bands of the coral snake touch; they do not in the king snake.
Additionally, coral snakes have a black snout, kings do not.

All snakes, even the venomous ones, are beneficial. Leave them be.

--
Does that include the two legged ones often involved in politics? ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Snake Monster

dadiOH wrote:
Muggles" " xyz wrote:
We've recently cleaned up our back yard and spread some pea gravel
where no grass will grow. It was always muddy when it would rain, so
we gave
up and just weeded the sparse grass down that did come up along with
any weeds. The pea gravel looks nice in the path, but today we found
a good size garter snake right in the middle of the gravel sunning
itself.
I've read they like to do that sort of thing, but now I'm not so sure
if it's such a good thing, although we let it go in the back part of
the yard.

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering
creature. I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're
venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are
they ok and mind their own business.

Garter snakes are not venomous. In the US, there are four types of
venomous snakes...

1. rattle snake (numerous species)

2. copperhead

3. cotton mouth moccasin

4. coral snake

The first three are all pit vipers. Pit vipers have triangular shaped
heads; the iris of their eyes is a vertical slit (like cats) rather
than round. They are all easily identified by he triangular head. In
addition...
Rattle snakes have the rattle

Cotton mouths have a white mouth interior; mature ones are almost
black and are chunky.

Copperheads have alternating, irregular bands of brown/reddish
brown and tan/cream. Unfortunately, so do some non-venomous snakes.

Coral snakes have alternating bands of red, yellow and black; so do
some very beneficial king snakes.You can distinguish them because the
red and yellow bands of the coral snake touch; they do not in the
king snake. Additionally, coral snakes have a black snout, kings do
not.
All snakes, even the venomous ones, are beneficial. Leave them be.

A venomous snake out in the woods is one thing ... a venomous snake in the
yard where my grandchildren are playing is another . There is an overgrown
empty lot next door to our house in Memphis . Our son and his family live in
that house . Last trip to Memphis , one of their cats was bitten by a
venomous snake RIGHT NEXT TO THE DRIVEWAY WHERE THE KIDS WERE PLAYING . That
cat died in less than a minute , it was struck in the neck . Evidence was
found close by of a nest with opened eggs , probably copperheads . A young
copperhead was killed a couple of houses down just days before this happened
.. Now then , since all snakes are beneficial , should we just let them be
and risk one of the neighborhood kids getting struck and maybe die ?
I think not .
--
Snag

On Fri, 12 Jun 2015 09:05:46 -0500, "Terry Coombs"
wrote:

All snakes, even the venomous ones, are beneficial. Leave them be.

A venomous snake out in the woods is one thing ... a venomous snake in the
yard where my grandchildren are playing is another . There is an overgrown
empty lot next door to our house in Memphis . Our son and his family live in
that house . Last trip to Memphis , one of their cats was bitten by a
venomous snake RIGHT NEXT TO THE DRIVEWAY WHERE THE KIDS WERE PLAYING . That
cat died in less than a minute , it was struck in the neck . Evidence was
found close by of a nest with opened eggs , probably copperheads . A young
copperhead was killed a couple of houses down just days before this happened
. Now then , since all snakes are beneficial , should we just let them be
and risk one of the neighborhood kids getting struck and maybe die ?
I think not .

I agree. I've had a coiled cotton mouth near my face, ready to strike
- 30.06 fixed him. Former BIL was struck by a diamond back while we
were hunting - shot dead. I have a healthy fear of poisonous snakes,
but I will not let them threaten me without them getting the
consequences.

On 6/12/2015 10:16 AM, Oren wrote:


Former BIL was struck by a diamond back while we
were hunting - shot dead.



Incredible. Snakes should not be allowed to have guns for exactly that
reason.

On Fri, 12 Jun 2015 11:31:07 -0400, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

On 6/12/2015 10:16 AM, Oren wrote:


Former BIL was struck by a diamond back while we
were hunting - shot dead.



Incredible. Snakes should not be allowed to have guns for exactly that
reason.

You are on a roll today, Ed. I was still having coffee

Uncle Monster wrote:
On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 6:41:12 AM UTC-5, dadiOH wrote:

All snakes, even the venomous ones, are beneficial. Leave them be.

--
Does that include the two legged ones often involved in politics? ^_^

No, they are (should be) KOS

On Fri, 12 Jun 2015 11:44:10 -0400, "dadiOH"
wrote:

Uncle Monster wrote:
On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 6:41:12 AM UTC-5, dadiOH wrote:

All snakes, even the venomous ones, are beneficial. Leave them be.

--
Does that include the two legged ones often involved in politics? ^_^

No, they are (should be) KOS


....or put them in a cage and sell tickets. Very entertaining.

A venomous snake out in the woods is one thing ... a venomous snake in the
yard where my grandchildren are playing is another . There is an overgrown
empty lot next door to our house in Memphis . Our son and his family live in
that house . Last trip to Memphis , one of their cats was bitten by a
venomous snake RIGHT NEXT TO THE DRIVEWAY WHERE THE KIDS WERE PLAYING . That
cat died in less than a minute , it was struck in the neck . Evidence was
found close by of a nest with opened eggs , probably copperheads . A young
copperhead was killed a couple of houses down just days before this happened
. Now then , since all snakes are beneficial , should we just let them be
and risk one of the neighborhood kids getting struck and maybe die ?
I think not .
--
Snag

why not carefully claen up the vacant lot next door, and cut the grass occasionally.

just a bit of work can beautify the neighborhood and help make it safer too

On Fri, 12 Jun 2015 11:47:55 -0700 (PDT), bob haller
wrote:


A venomous snake out in the woods is one thing ... a venomous snake in the
yard where my grandchildren are playing is another . There is an overgrown
empty lot next door to our house in Memphis . Our son and his family live in
that house . Last trip to Memphis , one of their cats was bitten by a
venomous snake RIGHT NEXT TO THE DRIVEWAY WHERE THE KIDS WERE PLAYING . That
cat died in less than a minute , it was struck in the neck . Evidence was
found close by of a nest with opened eggs , probably copperheads . A young
copperhead was killed a couple of houses down just days before this happened
. Now then , since all snakes are beneficial , should we just let them be
and risk one of the neighborhood kids getting struck and maybe die ?
I think not .
--
Snag

why not carefully claen up the vacant lot next door, and cut the grass occasionally.

just a bit of work can beautify the neighborhood and help make it safer too

Mowers kill snakes. Maybe you have not seen or experienced it? Why
would Snag clean a lot not belonging to him? The EPA may get on your
case in a protected area. What if it caused frogs to die?

On Fri, 12 Jun 2015 07:41:00 -0400, "dadiOH"
wrote:

Muggles" " xyz wrote:
We've recently cleaned up our back yard and spread some pea gravel
where no grass will grow. It was always muddy when it would rain, so
we gave
up and just weeded the sparse grass down that did come up along with
any weeds. The pea gravel looks nice in the path, but today we found
a good size garter snake right in the middle of the gravel sunning
itself.
I've read they like to do that sort of thing, but now I'm not so sure
if it's such a good thing, although we let it go in the back part of
the yard.

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering
creature. I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're
venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

Garter snakes are not venomous. In the US, there are four types of venomous
snakes...

1. rattle snake (numerous species)

2. copperhead

3. cotton mouth moccasin

4. coral snake

The first three are all pit vipers. Pit vipers have triangular shaped
heads; the iris of their eyes is a vertical slit (like cats) rather than
round. They are all easily identified by he triangular head. In addition...

Rattle snakes have the rattle

Cotton mouths have a white mouth interior; mature ones are almost black
and are chunky.

Copperheads have alternating, irregular bands of brown/reddish brown and
tan/cream. Unfortunately, so do some non-venomous snakes.

Coral snakes have alternating bands of red, yellow and black; so do some
very beneficial king snakes.You can distinguish them because the red and
yellow bands of the coral snake touch; they do not in the king snake.
Additionally, coral snakes have a black snout, kings do not.

All snakes, even the venomous ones, are beneficial. Leave them be.

Be aware that any breed of snake will rattle it
tail when upset. Oh, BTW, pygmy rattlesnakes are
near the same size as a garter snake, but near
invisible on a brown dirt or old leaf background.
The pygmy rattlesnake does not have real rattles
but does have sharp teeth.

On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 1:47:58 PM UTC-5, bob haller wrote:
A venomous snake out in the woods is one thing ... a venomous snake in the
yard where my grandchildren are playing is another . There is an overgrown
empty lot next door to our house in Memphis . Our son and his family live in
that house . Last trip to Memphis , one of their cats was bitten by a
venomous snake RIGHT NEXT TO THE DRIVEWAY WHERE THE KIDS WERE PLAYING . That
cat died in less than a minute , it was struck in the neck . Evidence was
found close by of a nest with opened eggs , probably copperheads . A young
copperhead was killed a couple of houses down just days before this happened
. Now then , since all snakes are beneficial , should we just let them be
and risk one of the neighborhood kids getting struck and maybe die ?
I think not .
--
Snag

why not carefully claen up the vacant lot next door, and cut the grass occasionally.

just a bit of work can beautify the neighborhood and help make it safer too

No good deed goes unpunished. The cops would probably show up and arrest him for trespassing. A better solution is what we do around here when there is an overgrown empty lot. Call the city and city workers will clean it up and the city will bill the owner and if the owner doesn't pay, the city condemns and seizes the property. Of course you will never see a junked up overgrown empty lot in an upper class neighborhood. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Junk Monster

On Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:32:28 -0700 (PDT), Uncle Monster
wrote:

why not carefully claen up the vacant lot next door, and cut the grass occasionally.

just a bit of work can beautify the neighborhood and help make it safer too

No good deed goes unpunished. The cops would probably show up and arrest him for trespassing. A better solution is what we do around here when there is an overgrown empty lot. Call the city and city workers will clean it up and the city will bill the owner and if the owner doesn't pay, the city condemns and seizes the property. Of course you will never see a junked up overgrown empty lot in an upper class neighborhood. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Junk Monster

A man in Texas just died from a swarm of bee stings after he cut the
neighbor's lawn, as a good intended act.

_White House eyes plan to diversify wealthy neighborhoods_

Jun. 12, 2015 - 7:23 - Critics call proposed HUD plan to use federal
grants to encourage low income housing in wealthy areas an example of
massive government overreach.

http://video.foxnews.com/v/4292408954001/white-house-eyes-plan-to-diversify-wealthy-neighborhoods/?playlist_id=928378949001#sp=show-clips

https://tinyurl.com/oo2z7xj

Can I have chicken coops and a dozen pigs on my lot?

Uncle Monster wrote:
On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 1:47:58 PM UTC-5, bob haller wrote:
A venomous snake out in the woods is one thing ... a venomous
snake in the yard where my grandchildren are playing is another .
There is an overgrown empty lot next door to our house in Memphis .
Our son and his family live in that house . Last trip to Memphis ,
one of their cats was bitten by a venomous snake RIGHT NEXT TO THE
DRIVEWAY WHERE THE KIDS WERE PLAYING . That cat died in less than a
minute , it was struck in the neck . Evidence was found close by of
a nest with opened eggs , probably copperheads . A young copperhead
was killed a couple of houses down just days before this happened .
Now then , since all snakes are beneficial , should we just let
them be and risk one of the neighborhood kids getting struck and
maybe die ? I think not . --
Snag

why not carefully claen up the vacant lot next door, and cut the
grass occasionally.

just a bit of work can beautify the neighborhood and help make it
safer too

No good deed goes unpunished. The cops would probably show up and
arrest him for trespassing. A better solution is what we do around
here when there is an overgrown empty lot. Call the city and city
workers will clean it up and the city will bill the owner and if the
owner doesn't pay, the city condemns and seizes the property. Of
course you will never see a junked up overgrown empty lot in an upper
class neighborhood. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Junk Monster

The city has cleaned up the lot and billed the owner . He ain't happy . No
way I'd get involved in that , though the city offered my son (who lives in
my house - I live 175 miles away in Arkansas) a contract to do the mowing .
He wisely (IMO) declined . The owner bought that lot for back taxes in
anticipation of building on it and turning a profit - which ain't happenin'
in that neighborhood at this time . One more example of the gov't stepping
in and "helping" by offering property owners a big fat section 8 check to
rent to "minorities" .

--
Snag

On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 5:25:35 PM UTC-5, Terry Coombs wrote:
Uncle Monster wrote:
On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 1:47:58 PM UTC-5, bob haller wrote:
A venomous snake out in the woods is one thing ... a venomous
snake in the yard where my grandchildren are playing is another .
There is an overgrown empty lot next door to our house in Memphis .
Our son and his family live in that house . Last trip to Memphis ,
one of their cats was bitten by a venomous snake RIGHT NEXT TO THE
DRIVEWAY WHERE THE KIDS WERE PLAYING . That cat died in less than a
minute , it was struck in the neck . Evidence was found close by of
a nest with opened eggs , probably copperheads . A young copperhead
was killed a couple of houses down just days before this happened .
Now then , since all snakes are beneficial , should we just let
them be and risk one of the neighborhood kids getting struck and
maybe die ? I think not . --
Snag

why not carefully claen up the vacant lot next door, and cut the
grass occasionally.

just a bit of work can beautify the neighborhood and help make it
safer too

No good deed goes unpunished. The cops would probably show up and
arrest him for trespassing. A better solution is what we do around
here when there is an overgrown empty lot. Call the city and city
workers will clean it up and the city will bill the owner and if the
owner doesn't pay, the city condemns and seizes the property. Of
course you will never see a junked up overgrown empty lot in an upper
class neighborhood. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Junk Monster

The city has cleaned up the lot and billed the owner . He ain't happy . No
way I'd get involved in that , though the city offered my son (who lives in
my house - I live 175 miles away in Arkansas) a contract to do the mowing .
He wisely (IMO) declined . The owner bought that lot for back taxes in
anticipation of building on it and turning a profit - which ain't happenin'
in that neighborhood at this time . One more example of the gov't stepping
in and "helping" by offering property owners a big fat section 8 check to
rent to "minorities" .

--
Snag

From what I've been able to find, the majority of people in Section 8 housing are Caucasian. Same with welfare, the majority appear to be Caucasian too. The difference I've read about seems to be in the amount of time different racial groups stay on public assistance. I can't find a good comprehensive source for all the numbers without spending more time searching than I care to but as I recall, Caucasians spend the least amount of time on public assistance. But the claim that Negro Americans make up the largest group on public assistance looks like a misnomer to me. I wish someone with a better source would post a link. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Fair and Balanced Monster

On 6/11/2015 9:12 PM, rbowman wrote:
On 06/11/2015 06:03 PM, Muggles wrote:
I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering creature.
I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

Snakes are good luck. The bigger ones help to thin out the mouse herds.
Unless it's six feet long with rattles ignore it.

This was a small snake, but it still makes me nervous. I REALLY don't
like spiders or snakes!

--
Maggie

On 6/11/2015 7:09 PM, dpb wrote:
On 06/11/2015 7:03 PM, Muggles wrote:
...

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering creature.
I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

Possibly if it was otherwise yet cool; they are, after all, not mammalian.

If it was a garter snake it is certainly _not_ venomous and harmless;
it'll catch and dispose of rodents and the like as a side benefit...


I hope so. The neighbor behind my house lets their yard grow up with
huge weeds by the fence between us. I guess that's why the snake showed
up because of a plentiful food supply

--
Maggie

On 6/11/2015 7:10 PM, bob_villa wrote:
On Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 7:03:52 PM UTC-5, Muggles wrote:
We've recently cleaned up our back yard and spread some pea gravel where
no grass will grow. It was always muddy when it would rain, so we gave
up and just weeded the sparse grass down that did come up along with any
weeds. The pea gravel looks nice in the path, but today we found a good
size garter snake right in the middle of the gravel sunning itself.
I've read they like to do that sort of thing, but now I'm not so sure if
it's such a good thing, although we let it go in the back part of the yard.

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering creature.
I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.



No they are not venomous...they have reverse fangs that can snag and cause bleeding. I have been bitten many times...some are aggressive if you mess with them. I don't think this will be a reoccurring problem.


Reverse fangs? uh I don't think I'll be picking the thing up for sure,
now.

--
Maggie

Uncle Monster wrote:
On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 5:25:35 PM UTC-5, Terry Coombs wrote:
Uncle Monster wrote:
On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 1:47:58 PM UTC-5, bob haller wrote:
A venomous snake out in the woods is one thing ... a venomous
snake in the yard where my grandchildren are playing is another .
There is an overgrown empty lot next door to our house in Memphis
. Our son and his family live in that house . Last trip to
Memphis , one of their cats was bitten by a venomous snake RIGHT
NEXT TO THE DRIVEWAY WHERE THE KIDS WERE PLAYING . That cat died
in less than a minute , it was struck in the neck . Evidence was
found close by of a nest with opened eggs , probably copperheads
. A young copperhead was killed a couple of houses down just days
before this happened . Now then , since all snakes are beneficial
, should we just let them be and risk one of the neighborhood
kids getting struck and maybe die ? I think not . --
Snag

why not carefully claen up the vacant lot next door, and cut the
grass occasionally.

just a bit of work can beautify the neighborhood and help make it
safer too

No good deed goes unpunished. The cops would probably show up and
arrest him for trespassing. A better solution is what we do around
here when there is an overgrown empty lot. Call the city and city
workers will clean it up and the city will bill the owner and if the
owner doesn't pay, the city condemns and seizes the property. Of
course you will never see a junked up overgrown empty lot in an
upper class neighborhood. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Junk Monster

The city has cleaned up the lot and billed the owner . He ain't
happy . No way I'd get involved in that , though the city offered my
son (who lives in my house - I live 175 miles away in Arkansas) a
contract to do the mowing . He wisely (IMO) declined . The owner
bought that lot for back taxes in anticipation of building on it and
turning a profit - which ain't happenin' in that neighborhood at
this time . One more example of the gov't stepping in and "helping"
by offering property owners a big fat section 8 check to rent to
"minorities" .

--
Snag

From what I've been able to find, the majority of people in Section 8
housing are Caucasian. Same with welfare, the majority appear to be
Caucasian too. The difference I've read about seems to be in the
amount of time different racial groups stay on public assistance. I
can't find a good comprehensive source for all the numbers without
spending more time searching than I care to but as I recall,
Caucasians spend the least amount of time on public assistance. But
the claim that Negro Americans make up the largest group on public
assistance looks like a misnomer to me. I wish someone with a better
source would post a link. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Fair and Balanced Monster

Trash is trash no matter the color of their skin . However , in this case
the tenants are/were mostly black . Memphis has a predominantly black
population , and most of them are good citizens . And many are not . The
problem I see with section 8 is that the tenants are not held responsible
for any damage they do to the property . Since they are not held accountable
, they tear things up to the point that properties are not livable , then
move on to another . Rinse , lather , repeat . IMO if they were denied
another place to live under sec8 if they did this , they'd quit doing it .
Maybe .
And maybe they'd scream discrimination ...
--
Snag

On 6/11/2015 7:58 PM, Uncle Monster wrote:
On Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 7:03:52 PM UTC-5, Muggles wrote:
We've recently cleaned up our back yard and spread some pea gravel where
no grass will grow. It was always muddy when it would rain, so we gave
up and just weeded the sparse grass down that did come up along with any
weeds. The pea gravel looks nice in the path, but today we found a good
size garter snake right in the middle of the gravel sunning itself.
I've read they like to do that sort of thing, but now I'm not so sure if
it's such a good thing, although we let it go in the back part of the yard.

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering creature.
I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

--
Maggie

I'd worry about dinosaurs sunning themselves on your pea gravel path. I hear they're quite fond of pea gravel. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Dino Monster


Long time ago I was dating a guy a few years older than me. He was all
strong and proud of it, too. He was helping me rake up the back yard
leaves and this night crawler came slithering out from under the leaves.
He screamed like a girl because he thought it was a snake. I thought I'd
die laughing!

--
Maggie

On 6/11/2015 8:45 PM, Dan Espen wrote:
Muggles " writes:

We've recently cleaned up our back yard and spread some pea gravel where
no grass will grow. It was always muddy when it would rain, so we gave
up and just weeded the sparse grass down that did come up along with any
weeds. The pea gravel looks nice in the path, but today we found a good
size garter snake right in the middle of the gravel sunning itself.
I've read they like to do that sort of thing, but now I'm not so sure if
it's such a good thing, although we let it go in the back part of the yard.

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering creature.
I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

They are not a problem.
Just saw one near my garage.
I just used a broom to send it away.

I don't know why they sometimes seek open spaces,
it's like asking to be eaten by larger birds, raccoons, cats.


right. I'll have to remember to do that. Good idea. Thanks!

--
Maggie

On 06/12/2015 07:18 PM, Uncle Monster wrote:
From what I've been able to find, the majority of people in Section 8 housing are Caucasian. Same with welfare, the majority appear to be Caucasian too. The difference I've read about seems to be in the amount of time different racial groups stay on public assistance. I can't find a good comprehensive source for all the numbers without spending more time searching than I care to but as I recall, Caucasians spend the least amount of time on public assistance. But the claim that Negro Americans make up the largest group on public assistance looks like a misnomer to me. I wish someone with a better source would post a link. ^_^

http://www.statisticbrain.com/welfare-statistics/

Welfare Demographics
Percent of recipients who are white 38.8 %
Percent of recipients who are black 39.8 %
Percent of recipients who are Hispanic 15.7 %
Percent of recipients who are Asian 2.4 %
Percent of recipients who are Other 3.3 %

however, that has to be balanced against

The U.S. population's distribution by race and ethnicity in 2010
Non-Hispanic White 63.7 %
Non-Hispanic Black or African American 12.2 %
Non-Hispanic Asian 4.7 %
Hispanic or Latino 16.4 %

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demogr...nd_ethnici ty

Blacks are vastly overrepresented on the welfare roles.

On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 10:01:07 PM UTC-5, Terry Coombs wrote:
Uncle Monster wrote:
On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 5:25:35 PM UTC-5, Terry Coombs wrote:
Uncle Monster wrote:
On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 1:47:58 PM UTC-5, bob haller wrote:
A venomous snake out in the woods is one thing ... a venomous
snake in the yard where my grandchildren are playing is another .
There is an overgrown empty lot next door to our house in Memphis
. Our son and his family live in that house . Last trip to
Memphis , one of their cats was bitten by a venomous snake RIGHT
NEXT TO THE DRIVEWAY WHERE THE KIDS WERE PLAYING . That cat died
in less than a minute , it was struck in the neck . Evidence was
found close by of a nest with opened eggs , probably copperheads
. A young copperhead was killed a couple of houses down just days
before this happened . Now then , since all snakes are beneficial
, should we just let them be and risk one of the neighborhood
kids getting struck and maybe die ? I think not . --
Snag

why not carefully claen up the vacant lot next door, and cut the
grass occasionally.

just a bit of work can beautify the neighborhood and help make it
safer too

No good deed goes unpunished. The cops would probably show up and
arrest him for trespassing. A better solution is what we do around
here when there is an overgrown empty lot. Call the city and city
workers will clean it up and the city will bill the owner and if the
owner doesn't pay, the city condemns and seizes the property. Of
course you will never see a junked up overgrown empty lot in an
upper class neighborhood. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Junk Monster

The city has cleaned up the lot and billed the owner . He ain't
happy . No way I'd get involved in that , though the city offered my
son (who lives in my house - I live 175 miles away in Arkansas) a
contract to do the mowing . He wisely (IMO) declined . The owner
bought that lot for back taxes in anticipation of building on it and
turning a profit - which ain't happenin' in that neighborhood at
this time . One more example of the gov't stepping in and "helping"
by offering property owners a big fat section 8 check to rent to
"minorities" .

--
Snag

From what I've been able to find, the majority of people in Section 8
housing are Caucasian. Same with welfare, the majority appear to be
Caucasian too. The difference I've read about seems to be in the
amount of time different racial groups stay on public assistance. I
can't find a good comprehensive source for all the numbers without
spending more time searching than I care to but as I recall,
Caucasians spend the least amount of time on public assistance. But
the claim that Negro Americans make up the largest group on public
assistance looks like a misnomer to me. I wish someone with a better
source would post a link. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Fair and Balanced Monster

Trash is trash no matter the color of their skin . However , in this case
the tenants are/were mostly black . Memphis has a predominantly black
population , and most of them are good citizens . And many are not . The
problem I see with section 8 is that the tenants are not held responsible
for any damage they do to the property . Since they are not held accountable
, they tear things up to the point that properties are not livable , then
move on to another . Rinse , lather , repeat . IMO if they were denied
another place to live under sec8 if they did this , they'd quit doing it ..
Maybe .
And maybe they'd scream discrimination ...
--
Snag

I've looked into section 8 housing myself because I'm disabled and can't do physical labor anymore. Hell, I can't walk right now. The only problem here in the Birmingham area is the waiting list that is only open for applications once a year. I must find a flat place without any stairs so I can get in and out easily because the house I'm in right now has too many stairs. The home health care service is trying to help me find handicapped accessible housing, hopefully someplace quiet. It's very frustrating to be unable to get up and go when I want to. o_O

[8~{} Uncle Gimpy Monster

On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 10:02:28 PM UTC-5, Muggles wrote:
On 6/11/2015 7:58 PM, Uncle Monster wrote:
On Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 7:03:52 PM UTC-5, Muggles wrote:
We've recently cleaned up our back yard and spread some pea gravel where
no grass will grow. It was always muddy when it would rain, so we gave
up and just weeded the sparse grass down that did come up along with any
weeds. The pea gravel looks nice in the path, but today we found a good
size garter snake right in the middle of the gravel sunning itself.
I've read they like to do that sort of thing, but now I'm not so sure if
it's such a good thing, although we let it go in the back part of the yard.

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering creature.
I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

--
Maggie

I'd worry about dinosaurs sunning themselves on your pea gravel path. I hear they're quite fond of pea gravel. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Dino Monster


Long time ago I was dating a guy a few years older than me. He was all
strong and proud of it, too. He was helping me rake up the back yard
leaves and this night crawler came slithering out from under the leaves.
He screamed like a girl because he thought it was a snake. I thought I'd
die laughing!

--
Maggie

I've had girlfriends who played with all kinds of critters and creepy crawlers. We'd trade them back and forth. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Critter Monster

On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 10:12:39 PM UTC-5, rbowman wrote:
On 06/12/2015 07:18 PM, Uncle Monster wrote:
From what I've been able to find, the majority of people in Section 8 housing are Caucasian. Same with welfare, the majority appear to be Caucasian too. The difference I've read about seems to be in the amount of time different racial groups stay on public assistance. I can't find a good comprehensive source for all the numbers without spending more time searching than I care to but as I recall, Caucasians spend the least amount of time on public assistance. But the claim that Negro Americans make up the largest group on public assistance looks like a misnomer to me. I wish someone with a better source would post a link. ^_^

http://www.statisticbrain.com/welfare-statistics/

Welfare Demographics
Percent of recipients who are white 38.8 %
Percent of recipients who are black 39.8 %
Percent of recipients who are Hispanic 15.7 %
Percent of recipients who are Asian 2.4 %
Percent of recipients who are Other 3.3 %

however, that has to be balanced against

The U.S. population's distribution by race and ethnicity in 2010
Non-Hispanic White 63.7 %
Non-Hispanic Black or African American 12.2 %
Non-Hispanic Asian 4.7 %
Hispanic or Latino 16.4 %

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demogr...nd_ethnici ty

Blacks are vastly overrepresented on the welfare roles.

Blacks are over-represented in the prisons too but the numbers you have for public assistance are a lot different than what I kept coming across.
The fact that White people make up the great majority of the population would seem to assure that more of them would be on public assistance. If 12% of the population accounts for 40% of those on public assistance, there is something very wrong indeed. I've read that the the economic situation for Black Americans has deteriorated during the term of our first Affirmative Action President but could it be that bad? I thought it was to was supposed to become so much better or at least that's what got the present administration voted into power. How much worse can it get?

[8~{} Uncle Sad Monster

rbowman wrote:
On 06/12/2015 07:18 PM, Uncle Monster wrote:
From what I've been able to find, the majority of people in Section
8 housing are Caucasian. Same with welfare, the majority appear to
be Caucasian too. The difference I've read about seems to be in the
amount of time different racial groups stay on public assistance. I
can't find a good comprehensive source for all the numbers without
spending more time searching than I care to but as I recall,
Caucasians spend the least amount of time on public assistance. But
the claim that Negro Americans make up the largest group on public
assistance looks like a misnomer to me. I wish someone with a better
source would post a link. ^_^
http://www.statisticbrain.com/welfare-statistics/

Welfare Demographics
Percent of recipients who are white 38.8 %
Percent of recipients who are black 39.8 %
Percent of recipients who are Hispanic 15.7 %
Percent of recipients who are Asian 2.4 %
Percent of recipients who are Other 3.3 %

however, that has to be balanced against

The U.S. population's distribution by race and ethnicity in 2010
Non-Hispanic White 63.7 %
Non-Hispanic Black or African American 12.2 %
Non-Hispanic Asian 4.7 %
Hispanic or Latino 16.4 %

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demogr...nd_ethnici ty

Blacks are vastly overrepresented on the welfare roles.

Are you ready for the screams that you're a racist ? Doesn't matter that
what you say is true , it's "racism" to mention it .

--
Snag

Uncle Monster wrote:
On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 10:12:39 PM UTC-5, rbowman wrote:
On 06/12/2015 07:18 PM, Uncle Monster wrote:
From what I've been able to find, the majority of people in
Section 8 housing are Caucasian. Same with welfare, the majority
appear to be Caucasian too. The difference I've read about seems to
be in the amount of time different racial groups stay on public
assistance. I can't find a good comprehensive source for all the
numbers without spending more time searching than I care to but as
I recall, Caucasians spend the least amount of time on public
assistance. But the claim that Negro Americans make up the largest
group on public assistance looks like a misnomer to me. I wish
someone with a better source would post a link. ^_^

http://www.statisticbrain.com/welfare-statistics/

Welfare Demographics
Percent of recipients who are white 38.8 %
Percent of recipients who are black 39.8 %
Percent of recipients who are Hispanic 15.7 %
Percent of recipients who are Asian 2.4 %
Percent of recipients who are Other 3.3 %

however, that has to be balanced against

The U.S. population's distribution by race and ethnicity in 2010
Non-Hispanic White 63.7 %
Non-Hispanic Black or African American 12.2 %
Non-Hispanic Asian 4.7 %
Hispanic or Latino 16.4 %

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demogr...nd_ethnici ty

Blacks are vastly overrepresented on the welfare roles.

Blacks are over-represented in the prisons too but the numbers you
have for public assistance are a lot different than what I kept
coming across.
The fact that White people make up the great majority of the
population would seem to assure that more of them would be on public
assistance. If 12% of the population accounts for 40% of those on
public assistance, there is something very wrong indeed. I've read
that the the economic situation for Black Americans has deteriorated
during the term of our first Affirmative Action President but could
it be that bad? I thought it was to was supposed to become so much
better or at least that's what got the present administration voted
into power. How much worse can it get?

[8~{} Uncle Sad Monster

Is it intentional , designed to incite a race war ? "Never let a good
crisis go to waste." Create the crisis , then use it to support the
implementation of martial law . And since things are so unsettled , let's
just hold off on elections until this "crisis" is over ... have you noticed
the upsurge of racial violence lately ? And it's NOT white's attacking
blacks . Though that tide may turn if this keeps up ...

--
Snag

On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 11:36:32 PM UTC-5, Terry Coombs wrote:
Uncle Monster wrote:
On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 10:12:39 PM UTC-5, rbowman wrote:
On 06/12/2015 07:18 PM, Uncle Monster wrote:
From what I've been able to find, the majority of people in
Section 8 housing are Caucasian. Same with welfare, the majority
appear to be Caucasian too. The difference I've read about seems to
be in the amount of time different racial groups stay on public
assistance. I can't find a good comprehensive source for all the
numbers without spending more time searching than I care to but as
I recall, Caucasians spend the least amount of time on public
assistance. But the claim that Negro Americans make up the largest
group on public assistance looks like a misnomer to me. I wish
someone with a better source would post a link. ^_^

http://www.statisticbrain.com/welfare-statistics/

Welfare Demographics
Percent of recipients who are white 38.8 %
Percent of recipients who are black 39.8 %
Percent of recipients who are Hispanic 15.7 %
Percent of recipients who are Asian 2.4 %
Percent of recipients who are Other 3.3 %

however, that has to be balanced against

The U.S. population's distribution by race and ethnicity in 2010
Non-Hispanic White 63.7 %
Non-Hispanic Black or African American 12.2 %
Non-Hispanic Asian 4.7 %
Hispanic or Latino 16.4 %

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demogr...nd_ethnici ty

Blacks are vastly overrepresented on the welfare roles.

Blacks are over-represented in the prisons too but the numbers you
have for public assistance are a lot different than what I kept
coming across.
The fact that White people make up the great majority of the
population would seem to assure that more of them would be on public
assistance. If 12% of the population accounts for 40% of those on
public assistance, there is something very wrong indeed. I've read
that the the economic situation for Black Americans has deteriorated
during the term of our first Affirmative Action President but could
it be that bad? I thought it was to was supposed to become so much
better or at least that's what got the present administration voted
into power. How much worse can it get?

[8~{} Uncle Sad Monster

Is it intentional , designed to incite a race war ? "Never let a good
crisis go to waste." Create the crisis , then use it to support the
implementation of martial law . And since things are so unsettled , let's
just hold off on elections until this "crisis" is over ... have you noticed
the upsurge of racial violence lately ? And it's NOT white's attacking
blacks . Though that tide may turn if this keeps up ...

--
Snag

If you're an American it doesn't matter what color your skin is, it's our country and we're all in the same boat. This bull poop about splitting American society up into different protected species is downright silly and destructive. The Progressive Liberal Leftist Commiecrat Freaks infesting the present Executive Branch want to foment chaos in everything so there is an excuse for the central government to come riding to the rescue to save the day by taking over the function and usurping the power of state and local governments. I read something interesting about the riots going on in different areas of the country where some of the rioters are actually being paid to be agent provocateurs to stir things up and get the violence and destruction started by trashing peaceful demonstrations. It sounds like something from the conspiracy nut crowd but I have to wonder who could profit from a race war. There are always those people who profit from any war by plundering what's left after it's all over. o_O

[8~{} Uncle Worried Monster

On 6/12/2015 10:43 PM, Uncle Monster wrote:
On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 10:02:28 PM UTC-5, Muggles wrote:
On 6/11/2015 7:58 PM, Uncle Monster wrote:
On Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 7:03:52 PM UTC-5, Muggles wrote:
We've recently cleaned up our back yard and spread some pea gravel where
no grass will grow. It was always muddy when it would rain, so we gave
up and just weeded the sparse grass down that did come up along with any
weeds. The pea gravel looks nice in the path, but today we found a good
size garter snake right in the middle of the gravel sunning itself.
I've read they like to do that sort of thing, but now I'm not so sure if
it's such a good thing, although we let it go in the back part of the yard.

I'm wondering if the warm pea gravel attracted the slithering creature.
I've read conflicting information on whether or not they're venomous.
Has anyone had problems with such snakes causing problems, or are they
ok and mind their own business.

--
Maggie

I'd worry about dinosaurs sunning themselves on your pea gravel path. I hear they're quite fond of pea gravel. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Dino Monster


Long time ago I was dating a guy a few years older than me. He was all
strong and proud of it, too. He was helping me rake up the back yard
leaves and this night crawler came slithering out from under the leaves.
He screamed like a girl because he thought it was a snake. I thought I'd
die laughing!

--
Maggie

I've had girlfriends who played with all kinds of critters and creepy crawlers. We'd trade them back and forth. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Critter Monster


I hear Critter Monsters are good with critters and creepy crawlers.

--
Maggie

On 6/12/2015 11:21 PM, Terry Coombs wrote:
rbowman wrote:
On 06/12/2015 07:18 PM, Uncle Monster wrote:
From what I've been able to find, the majority of people in Section
8 housing are Caucasian. Same with welfare, the majority appear to
be Caucasian too. The difference I've read about seems to be in the
amount of time different racial groups stay on public assistance. I
can't find a good comprehensive source for all the numbers without
spending more time searching than I care to but as I recall,
Caucasians spend the least amount of time on public assistance. But
the claim that Negro Americans make up the largest group on public
assistance looks like a misnomer to me. I wish someone with a better
source would post a link. ^_^
http://www.statisticbrain.com/welfare-statistics/

Welfare Demographics
Percent of recipients who are white 38.8 %
Percent of recipients who are black 39.8 %
Percent of recipients who are Hispanic 15.7 %
Percent of recipients who are Asian 2.4 %
Percent of recipients who are Other 3.3 %

however, that has to be balanced against

The U.S. population's distribution by race and ethnicity in 2010
Non-Hispanic White 63.7 %
Non-Hispanic Black or African American 12.2 %
Non-Hispanic Asian 4.7 %
Hispanic or Latino 16.4 %

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demogr...nd_ethnici ty

Blacks are vastly overrepresented on the welfare roles.

Are you ready for the screams that you're a racist ? Doesn't matter that
what you say is true , it's "racism" to mention it .


It's weird that a thread that starts out as talking about a real garter
"snake in the back yard" morphs into talking about racism!

--
Maggie

On Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 8:57:46 AM UTC-5, Muggles wrote:

It's weird that a thread that starts out as talking about a real garter
"snake in the back yard" morphs into talking about racism!
--
Maggie

....too true!

On Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 8:57:46 AM UTC-5, Muggles wrote:
On 6/12/2015 11:21 PM, Terry Coombs wrote:
rbowman wrote:
On 06/12/2015 07:18 PM, Uncle Monster wrote:
From what I've been able to find, the majority of people in Section
8 housing are Caucasian. Same with welfare, the majority appear to
be Caucasian too. The difference I've read about seems to be in the
amount of time different racial groups stay on public assistance. I
can't find a good comprehensive source for all the numbers without
spending more time searching than I care to but as I recall,
Caucasians spend the least amount of time on public assistance. But
the claim that Negro Americans make up the largest group on public
assistance looks like a misnomer to me. I wish someone with a better
source would post a link. ^_^
http://www.statisticbrain.com/welfare-statistics/

Welfare Demographics
Percent of recipients who are white 38.8 %
Percent of recipients who are black 39.8 %
Percent of recipients who are Hispanic 15.7 %
Percent of recipients who are Asian 2.4 %
Percent of recipients who are Other 3.3 %

however, that has to be balanced against

The U.S. population's distribution by race and ethnicity in 2010
Non-Hispanic White 63.7 %
Non-Hispanic Black or African American 12.2 %
Non-Hispanic Asian 4.7 %
Hispanic or Latino 16.4 %

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demogr...nd_ethnici ty

Blacks are vastly overrepresented on the welfare roles.

Are you ready for the screams that you're a racist ? Doesn't matter that
what you say is true , it's "racism" to mention it .


It's weird that a thread that starts out as talking about a real garter
"snake in the back yard" morphs into talking about racism!

--
Maggie

If it goes on any longer someone will start howling "NAZI!!" 8-)

[8~{} Uncle Nazi Monster

"Oren" wrote in message news
On Fri, 12 Jun 2015 11:44:10 -0400, "dadiOH"
wrote:

Uncle Monster wrote:
On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 6:41:12 AM UTC-5, dadiOH wrote:

All snakes, even the venomous ones, are beneficial. Leave them be.

--
Does that include the two legged ones often involved in politics? ^_^

No, they are (should be) KOS


....or put them in a cage and sell tickets. Very entertaining.

O yah that would be "VERY ENTERTAINING"