Many kids don't have the chance to learn about snakes first hand since they don't get outdoors like I used to. Check out info on how to prepare children for encounters with snakes outdoors so they will be ready when they encounter one.
I will never forget the time Randy Harris was fishing with me at Lake Sinclair. He said he was not afraid of snakes when I pointed out a water snake sunning on a limb just over the water. As I backed the boat closer, he hit at the snake with his rod - and the plug on the end of it hooked the snake. He seemed a little scared as he tried to get it off by slinging it and shaking it. He threatened to throw the rod overboard, snake and all, before it finally came loose!
Snakes are scary but not many people are bitten each year and a surprisingly small number die of snakebite each year. Information on snakes, the numbers of people bitten by them and how many die each year, and what you should do when you see a snake may surprise you.
My dad used to catch king snakes and bring them inside - scaring my mother and thrilling me. It took me a long time to get where I could touch one and several more years before I would catch one with my bare hands - but I got used to seeing them and I guess that is why seeing snakes while fishing does not bother me now - unless we get too close!
