“Prairie Gathering”

Today I had a run in with one of the most deadly creatures out on the prairie, the western diamondback rattlesnake.  Though I was not able to see it, due to the dense brush and perfect camouflage, the distinct rattle froze me in my tracks.  I ended up slowly walking away without incident, but it was an intense moment.  To be so far away from help and to have a highly venomous snake a mere couple of feet away is an interesting predicament.  The second snake was bigger.  

I was driving the ATV near the house and almost flipped myself trying to stop for the gigantic snake meandering in front of me.  I knew immediately that this was not a rattlesnake due to its 6 feet of length.  The rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in Eastern Montana and though I knew this to be true, I was not getting close enough to find out.  To see a picture of the snake, head on over to the species checklist.

I also went exploring today on the ATV.  Out here, to the outsider, everything is absolutely beautiful.  There are vast swathes of land that are broken up only by the occasional fence post or small tree.  Since arriving here though, I have come to the understanding that there is a certain monotony to the land.  Everything is much greener now and flowering, but I can see that there is the potential for a sea of yellow.  However, this being said, the wildlife here is second to none.  There is a plethora of different wildlife everywhere you look.  Everything here is just a bit more subtle.  With nothing to hide behind, most of the wildlife have taken on the same color as their surroundings, adding to the monotony of the landscape.  The biggest thing for me that I see here is the absence of mountains.  These being the calling card of my home town.  Being located somewhere else, always leaves you appreciating what you have.

   – Keith -