I love crawl spaces.
Tons of great stuff gets found in crawl spaces----ideal for blog fodder.
On a recent inspection of a very large crawl space there was one area (actually several) that I could not squeeze myself into, but I could see that there was some sort of recent excavation of the dirt next to the foundation by some unknown critter. Since there was plenty of evidence of critters in the crawl space in the form of skeletons of mice in spring traps and sticky traps, I was on the lookout for where they were getting in. So I reached in as far as I could and snapped a picture of the excavation.
It wasn't until I got home and zoomed in on the photo that I saw my little, slithering, crawl space companion.
I am kind of glad I didn't see it while I was in there----it might have shortened my stay!
I have found other snakes in crawl spaces and even snakes on roofs---but seeing this one on my computer screen---later---freaked me out the most!
Charles Buell
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Yikes Charles. I think I would rather find nasty mold! Great picture. - Ray
Now Charles, this part of the job, uncovering snakes has not got to be the fun part. Crawl space even sounds like a tough place to get around for those who are taller than average. I'm still trying to figure out if I'm claustrophobic or not. I guess I need to explore some caves with their tight walls and low ceilings. It probably feels totally natural for you.
Rut Roh ... Do ya'll have many poisonous snakes up in your neck of the woods?
Sean Allen
Great picture. What kind of snake is it? Steve should know.
no more crawl spaces for me!!, I tend to get up front and personal and open up the crawl space access to check for mold smell and water but now I'm afraid what may jump out at me!
Here the latest little buddy under our deck, can anyone tell me what kind it is?
Ray, agreed----especially if the snake is moldy
Gary, I have extra coveralls any time you want to explore this side of yourself:)
Sean, plenty on the East side of the woods (mountains), but not here.
Barbara, no idea----perhaps someone will know.
Crystal, now you are "freaking" me out. I don't mind snakes---but when they are bigger than me...... I wish that old "Snake Whisperer" from Bellingham, WA would chime in and tell what these critters are---besides snakes:)
Charles, Good post... Middle TN is a very snakey area, however it is surprising how few snakes I see here in crawl spaces... Like you I do not like them... I tell my customers that I am saving the best for last...
Charles,
I once found an 8 ft Boa in an attic, staring at from 3 ft away when I popped my head up through the access. (rental property) I yelled "Ther's a huge snake in the attic!". One of the tennants ran up the steps yelling "Ralph, you found Ralph!". I said "Yea, Now What Do I DO?" He calmly said " Oh, he won't hurt you, just come on down and I'll get him".
I guess he had been missing from his 300 gal aquarium home for about 3 days. Nobody knows how he got up there.
Crystal .... I would venture to say it is poisonous by the shape of the head and being in Texas, ya'll have lots of rattlers, but I can't see the tail. It kind of looks like a copper head but I'm not sure if ya'll have those.
What is it?
Sean Allen
Michael, how often do you see them outside crawl spaces?
Kevin, NOT fun!!
Sean, if you search Google images for Cottonmouth and Copperhead----it looks more like a Cottonmouth. Doesn't help that the same kind of snake can be so many colors and patterns!
Charlie B,
I think you might point out that the cotton mouth is bad berries too. Remember all the snakes attacking the guys in Lonesome Dove as they crossed the stream on horseback. Yeah, Cotton mouths. I think it might be the same as the water moccasin. Someone, who knows snakes, in Texas would probably know exactly what it is. The head is typical of poisonous snakes from what I have read. As for the tiny, little, miniature snake you saw.....I think you are for sure safe now that you are home and since it did not bite you or wrap around you. Lord I hope you do not have a re-inspect, you might have heart failure as you pull up onsite.I am, personally, not so sure you didn't stick a rubber snake down there for a photo op. Then you get all this brave, brave, Charlie malarky going at AR.
We think it is a well feed copperhead, we have them around here.
Thanks for chiming in Snake Whisperer Steve
Crystal, you can keep those suckers! I don't "hate" snakes---but I sure feel better when they aren't around (to paraphase a line from "Barfly").
Thats a diamond-mouth cotton-back water-rattler if i'm not mistaken...
Marcus----sounds good to me:)
Charlie B,
Will you categorically, under oath, testify that the little bitty snake head in the crawl space is not this same snake, painted rust color with your can of spray paint. We have quite a bit of evidence evidence that Chuckie B might use some special effects.
I swear! I bait---but I don't switch:)
Charlie B,
Four eyes are watching you. Me and my pet. My pet likes to bite.
Well, you seem to have similiar tongues:)
Charlie B,
This will frost your fanny. As you know, I have been out and about and not readily available by phone for a few days....and that includes the day you were in the crawl space and found the snake. As you know, it is not that unusual for us to talk when one of us is in a crawl space. Phones work down there.
But this is the part that will frost your fanny. It seems that, when you were down there, you accidentally called me and left a voice mail. This really captures the moment of your greatest fear.
Actual Phone Audio of Buell
Now that just creeps me out! I'd hate to come across one unexpectedly. There were plenty from my creek out back when I moved in. Now I have scared most of them off. I guess the word is out that I will whack them if I see them. They moved on down the line.
It takes an overly confident guy to try to choose his own rescuer. I guess you are that guy.
You guys are worth every penny you get paid just alone for getting down into these crawlspaces.
Sandy
Sandy, thanks---can you believe some inspectors won't?
Charlie B,
Sent the photo of the one snake to a friend in Texas, who happens to be a realtor too. She is used to vipers getting between window screens and the windows -- yuck. I got back the following answer.
It definitely looks like a cottonmouth to me. Very venemous. This from my snake knowledge from Texas and years as a Pet Store owner.
Charlie,
Before you have coronary thrombosis, the snake the realtor sent the picture of is maybe a cottonmouth.....not that little tiny rubber one in your photo.
Charles, you just creeped me out big time! I couldn't do what you do for a living!
Gosh, Kathy, I don't understand. It is such a little snake and oh so cute:)