Rattlesnake Roundup

"Rattlesnake Roundup"  Photo Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Click on the photo for a closer view!

 

I thought it was going to be a typical day at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia on Saturday.  A day of chasing hummingbirds in the garden to get the perfect shot.  I love going to the garden; it is like my second home.

 

Boy was I surprised when a new visitor came to the garden that I hadn't seen before.  A lady told me she saw a snake, and I did not come immediately because I was focused on photographing the hummer and finch in front of me.  A few minutes later she walked past again and mentioned she saw something and did not know what it was.  She believed the snake threw up a rat.

I walked over to where she was standing to find the rat.  She found the snake again, and we discovered it was a Timber Rattlesnake!  She said she would inform someone.  I let people know about the snake as they walked by for their own safety.  I lost it for a while because I went back to taking photos of the hummers.  The man I told earlier showed me where he went, and I ran to get my camera. 

 

As the snake inched forward, I made sure to keep my distance. Little did I know the snake had an agenda.  It was trying to get down a drain, and I was standing between the drain and the snake.  Two police officers came, and I showed them where the snake went.  Soon Staicia and Josh from the Athens-Clarke County Animal Control were there to help:)   

A hose was placed down the drain and used to prompt the snake to exit the end of the drain.  The snake was safely captured and taken to live in a big field far away.  A great effort was given by the police and Animal Control to make sure everyone stays safe.  Thanks!

 

I had a blast!  Did I mention I prayed and asked the Lord to bring to me what He wanted me to photograph?  I hate snakes, but the garden is now clear of a poisonous snake!