Can You Spot the Copperhead?

As the leaves fall, be careful. Snakes like copperheads are very good at blending in.



Look closely in the yellow outline.

Oxford Alabama Indian Mound

There's an ongoing argument in Oxford, Alabama (near Anniston). The city is so pleased that a new Sam's Wholesale is coming to town that it has given them permission to use a prehistoric Indian mound for foundation fill dirt.

In an "Anniston Star" report, Oxford Mayor Leon Smith said leveling the mound is no big deal because it was only used for sending smoke signals. How would he know?

http://archaeology.org/blog/

A Coral Snake in Coosa County Alabama

There was an interesting article in the June 29 edition of the Birmingham News. A coral snake was captured and released in Coosa County, Alabama. They are rare in coastal Alabama and very rarely have been sighted this far north.

Coral snakes have the most toxic venom of any snake in North America. However, they are less likely to strike than pit vipers like rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins.

The saying is "red, then yellow, kill a fellow; red, then black, you're OK, Jack." I think I'd second guess myself with the rhyme. I'd just take a picture from a distance.

Here's a blog account of the story:


http://hogfoot.blogspot.com/2009/04/coosa-coral.html