A Brutal End

[guidofatherof5]

I just was on the way to take my son to dinner when I saw a man in his front yard killing a garter snake(probably radix). It appeared he was standing on the snakes head and pulling on its body. To make things even worse it looked like his 4-5 year old son was standing by dad observing the whole thing. I can just hear the dad. "Son, every time you see a snake you kill it. Step on its head like this........ "
I was livid and saddened but knew my words would mean nothing to this guy and I would probably end up in jail if I confronted him. I don't think my boss the Sheriff would think that was a good career move on my part.
In Iowa, garter snakes are afforded "NO PROTECTION"
The ignorance and brutality of people seems to be unending.

[infernalis]

Sad story Steve.

[indigoman]

We must all be ambassadors to chip away at the ignorance and fear.

[Mommy2many]

In Iowa, garter snakes are afforded "NO PROTECTION"

Not true, Steve.

I happen to know of a very special place in Iowa where the garter snakes are treated like family and are afforded every comfort and type of protection that can be awarded. This magical place for our garters is the T Radix Ranch. It may not be everywhere but it does exist.

[infernalis]

It's like a Radix Magic Kingdom.

[ssssnakeluvr]

that sucks!!! I can charge them with animal cruelty or they can be charged under the state law that makes it illegal to indiscriminently kill ANY reptile, only exception is a rattlesnake in your yard.

[Mommy2many]

Go for it, Don!

[drache]

oh that gets me angry
forget about protection of a particular species - this sounds like pure and simple animal cruelty to me, the kind that teaches a kid to disconnect to a point where psychopathic behavior seems like an okay thing to engage in

[guidofatherof5]

What a very nice thing to say. Thank you.
I try to do what I can and what I should. A few months ago a member(Mustang) if I remember correctly said I should advertise the fact I remove/rescue garter snakes. That has always been an idea I've had. The problem is I have no place to keep 10,000+ radixes and if I did what would I do with them. I couldn't afford to feed or house them. Where would I release them that wouldn't upset the nature in that area.
Unfortunately, The world they live in is mainly against them and in the face of those great odds they thrive and multiply. The best I can do is open my house to the few I can help and give them a good life. In return I learn so much about them and admire them for what they are.

[Mommy2many]

Steve,

That's all we can ask of ourselves.