I am currently using a cane for any activity outside of the house that does not involve a mower or shopping cart. Right now, it isn’t an absolute necessity, but rather a precaution against the possibility of stumbling in the back yard and damaging my knee, or encountering a stray dog while in the front yard (something that has already happened once here and once in our previous yard). My cane is metal and has a wrist strap, so it’s sturdy, lightweight, washable, and manageable even when I’m using the camera.
I tell you that to explain how I made a startling discovery this morning.
I was making the rounds, feeding the birds, and frequently glancing down at the lawn for any new hazards (we have moles or voles or something). I was about to move my cane forward when I realized I was about to place it on a small light brown snake. I stayed where I was and began to take a few photos. As I adjusted the zoom, I noticed that it had ants on it. It also appeared to have a damaged tail.
I went inside later and did a Google search to try to ID the snake and determine if it was venomous. Curious about the ants, I also searched for information about whether or not ants would eat an injured snake. I was stunned to read the answer and realize that they were not only eating it, but KILLING it! I didn’t know they were capable of killing a snake. Apparently, f they perceive one as a threat they will attack it as a group, bite it, and then continue until it dies. Ant venom contains neurotoxins that induce paralysis.
I went out to the yard to confirm. The snake was dead and covered with ants!
Lesson learned: beware of small snakes in the grass, but also avoid any contact with angry ants!