First light reveals a huge indigo ascending an ancient oak. The shiny black serpent is at least seven feet long and wonderfully adept at gliding its impressive length up the tree.
The snake is through in its inspection of hollows and even ventures out onto fragile branches in search of nestlings or other potential prey. Thin branches are no impediment to this skilled climber who is intent on examining every inch of its arboreal domain.
Finally, the indigo daringly descends thru the branches and stretches down to the ground where it resumes its hunt.
Bull snakes are also accomplished climbers and readily take to the trees in search of a meal. The six foot plus snake is as at home in an oak as on the ground. This exceptionally large specimen has undoubtedly explored many a cavity and raided numerous nests.
Like the indigo, the bullsnake doesn't hesitate to venture out onto thin limbs as it slips thru the uppermost branches of a tall oak.
It is not at all uncommon to find a large indigo or bull snake gliding thru the branches, but occasionally a diamondback rattlesnake will also ascend a tree. Coiled motionless in the fork of venerable oak, this rattler waits patiently in ambush for a meal to appear.
The deadly snake's rattles hang limp as it lurks in ambush for a scampering mouse or squirrel to move within striking distance. Eventually, the diamondback abandons its post and glides down the thick trunk to hunt the land below.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT