is killed hy a few minutes' exposure to sunshine at a temperature of 100° F. 

 and shows evidences of discomfort at temperatures much over 90° F. Most 

 snakes die within twenty minutes if exposed to sunshine at 100° F. 



It is not true that a snake will not pass over a rope, especially a hair rope, 

 as is sometimes stated. 



There are actual sea serpents, many kinds and many poisonous ones, with 

 flattened tails to assist their swimming. None of them get to be as large as the 

 big land snakes, however. The recurring reports of gigantic sea serpents are 

 probably based upon fleeting glimpses of sharks, whales, and other common 

 marine animals. 



Study of Snakes 



As a first step, the distinguishing characters of the local poisonous snakes 

 should be carefully learned. Too much dependence should not be placed on 

 color or pattern, since albinistic and melanistic variations are not rare, and at 

 least one case of a completely black coral snake has been reported. Fortunately, 

 the native poisonous snakes are seldom aggressive, and usually retreat if given 

 any opportunity. Except in rare instances, most of the danger lies in in' 

 advertently stepping on one, grasping it, mistaking it for a harmless one, or 

 taking needless chances with one in order to impress observers. 



Hunting for snakes. 



Snakes are seldom easy to find, unless one happens upon a hibernation 

 area at the right time in spring or autumn. During the rest of the year they 

 must be sought out, usually in places of concealment under rocks, logs, brush 

 piles, and similar locations. Water snakes can sometimes be captured at night, 

 with the aid of a flashlight. 



Catching snakes. 



The often mentioned forked stick is of little practical value, because one 

 can seldom take time to place it in position and it is likely to injure the snake. 

 A plain stick is good, since one can usually hold it across the reptile, while one 

 grasps the snake by the neck. A short hook or angle iron at the end of a stick 

 is often useful in gently pulling a snake from a brush pile or rock crevice. The 

 commonly suggested arrangements of strap or wire nooses are fine in theory but 

 seldom of much value in the field. A pair of soft leather gloves will give one 

 greater confidence and afford protection from the short teeth of the non' 

 poisonous species. Once captured, the snake should be dropped into a cloth 

 bag, the neck of which can be tied upon itself or with cord. This bag and its 

 contents should never be left in the sun or on the floor of an automobile, or 

 the occupant may die of heat. 



385 



