The many ways to kill a snake
July 19, 2013 by J.B. -
Young’s Hill, the chimps’ two-acre outdoor enclosure, is home to quite a few snakes. The entire sanctuary is surrounded by a rattlesnake fence, which helps keep the truly dangerous snakes out, but many harmless garter snakes were already living here when we built the enclosure.
At first, the chimps were afraid to touch even the smallest garter snake. They would use tools to try to kill them, because they were afraid to use their bare hands. One time, Jamie used a hardcover children’s book to try to chop one to death. Another time, she used a pasta spoon. Over the years, they’ve discovered that garter snakes are relatively harmless, so they’ve become more comfortable going after them with their hands.
But this was the most unusual strategy that I have seen yet.
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Love the lineup on the log!!! They do know how to pose!
I knew I loved these creatures for a reason. I too believe the only good snake is a DEAD snake.
I like snakes, as long as they are not poisonous. But I am curious what a rattlesnake fence is?
The rattlesnake fence is a 3′-tall fence made from galvanized hardware cloth. The holes in the fence are only 1/4″ and the fence is buried approximately 6″ in the ground. Rattlesnakes are not great climbers, so it’s enough to deter ones that are just wandering through the property.
They are not 100% effective, but In the three years preceding the construction of the fence, we had a rattlesnake get in or near the building every year, and in the two years since its completion, we have not had any get in.
Maybe you need to add a new event to the Troll Olympics — the snake toss. 😉
made my day : ) BADasss!