Cubby update

[Judge]

I saw my first Fer-de-Lance snake in Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico a couple of weeks ago at a small zoo and conservation facility. They found it on the premises (jungle) where visitors walk and put it in an aquarium for display. Fortunately, they are active only at night. The zoo rescues crocodiles, snakes, and all kinds of birds and animals in the Yucatan including hairless Mexican dogs (which feel like pigs when you pet their skin and are the sweetest, most gentle dogs).

Cool. That's one species I've never seen in person...behind glass that is. Deadly to say the least.

 

[Mary Terry]

Cool. That's one species I've never seen in person...behind glass that is. Deadly to say the least.

They said it is the most deadly species of snake on earth. I don't know about that but I won't be camping or walking in the jungle at night in Central America just in case. Heck, the mosquitoes down there can practically carry me away. They love me - type O positive blood - their favorite meal - but never bite my husband, type AB blood.

Funny aside - one of my former law partners served in the Navy during Viet Nam and was trained and stationed in Panama. Did something vague with secret military codes and Canal ship traffic. He told me he was so scared of Fer-de-Lance snakes that when he did his jungle training (several days on your own in the jungle with no food), he found a huge banana tree, climbed as high as he could to sleep and hang out with a big stick for a weapon, and ate nothing but bananas for days. Said he was in better shape than most of the others when they returned to base. But he liked serving out his Viet Nam duties there, wearing Bermuda shorts Navy uniform, Panama City was very cosmopolitan, great climate, and he met his future wife there. I thought his survival tactics were smart.

 

[Pats]

Has anyone else ever heard that copperheads will emit an odor that smells like cucumbers? I've always heard that if you step into a shed and smell cucumbers, to get out.

 

[Judge]

Has anyone else ever heard that copperheads will emit an odor that smells like cucumbers? I've always heard that if you step into a shed and smell cucumbers, to get out.

Indeed. You can read as much online from any number of sources.

Though the one thing that intrigues me are those sources who cite that if you can truly smell their scent, then you are within their striking range.

 

[Pats]

Indeed. You can read as much online from any number of sources.

Though the one thing that intrigues me are those sources who cite that if you can truly smell their scent, then you are within their striking range.

or you're very near or in a nest of them.

 

[Judge]

or you're very near or in a nest of them.

Could be worse.

 

[Pats]

Cubby update:
Since Tuesday I've run a high fever that has not come down even when I take Tylenol. I can't take Motrin. So, also since Tuesday Cubby has been stressed out, not eating well and hiding in the shower mostly. He's been trying to stay as far away from me as possible. I didn't know what was wrong with him and was getting worried. Last night my fever came down and he woke me up, wagging his tail and wanting to cuddle. This morning my fever is back and he's back in the shower. I keep saying he could almost be a service dog - I guess he'd let me know when I have a fever by hiding. LOL