By KENDALL OWENS
T-H Staff Writer
"You should expect the unexpected" is the warning when in comes to snake behavior that Arkansas Game and Fish Officer Mike McCormack had after being told of a five-foot timber rattlesnake that was found in a neighborhood south of Forrest City yesterday.
Forrest City Animal Control Officer George Cochran captured the rattlesnake Thursday afternoon, south of Forrest City after it was spotted close to a house by a man mowing a lot.
"This is the biggest rattlesnake I've ever seen in this county and I've lived here all of my life. People that live close to the ridge need to keep a look out this time of year, because the snakes are coming down to fatten up before they go into their dens for winter," Cochran said.
The proximity of the snake to a nearby house also caused Cochran some concern. "People need to know to be careful around high grass or wooded areas. There was a house and a basketball court within 20 feet of where this one was found and if children had been playing outside and the ball had gone over there, we could have had a real problem on our hands," he said.
According to McCormack, due to the time of year folks need to be prepared to find any type of snake in any area. "Snakes have territories, but right now they're just roaming around. Folks that live miles away from water may run into a cottonmouth or copperhead and the rattlesnakes are on the move now. If you come up on any type of snake, you really need to just steer clear of them," McCormack said.
McCormack also gave a few safety tips to help fight off any danger. "If you're going to be in the woods or in high weeds, you really need to wear boots and leggings to protect your lower body. Tell your children not to mess with any snake. We have several types snakes in the area and some of the non-venomous and venomous snakes look similar," he said.
AG&F Officer Chris Ware gave some of the warning signs to tell if a snake is venomous or non-venomous. According to Ware, all poisonous snakes, with the exception of the coral snake, that can be found in eastern Arkansas will have a triangular shaped head and vertical pupils because they are pit vipers. The coral snake, however, is not a pit viper but can be recognized by its brilliant coloring, which is red separated by yellow and black bands.
"The coral snake is the most poisonous of the five species of venomous snakes in this area and it's also the most colorful. But, it can be confused with the king snake or the scarlet king snake," Ware said.
"If you see a snake that is red with yellow bands then black bands you definitely need to stay away from it. That's a coral snake. If the snake is red with black bands then yellow bands, then you should just leave it alone," Ware said.
According to Ware, the five species of venomous snakes are the timber and pygmy rattlesnakes, the cottonmouth, the copperhead and the above mentioned coral snake.
By ALAN SMITH
T-H Staff Writer
Two issues facing the City of Wheatley were discussed at the Wheatley City Council meeting held Thursday night.
Mayor Larry Nash and City Attorney Marshall Wright told the council of an offer from Leslie Brown to settle a lawsuit brought forth by the city against him. Wheatley sued Brown because he had placed locked gates on a city street.
"Leslie made an offer to us," said Nash. "He said that if we let him keep the gates, he will give us keys." Wright continued for Nash, "I feel this is in the best interest of everyone. It will save us on court costs and give the city access to the road for emergency use.
"The road where it is located now will remain his and the gates will stay. Each city council member, the mayor, police chief and fire chief will be given a key to the gate. The gate is his and will be locked at his discretion. I recommend that the council approve of this solution."
Nash also recommended that the council accept Brown's offer. The council unanimously voted to the terms of the proposal.
In other news, Wright gave the first and second readings of an amendment to the city's lawn maintenance ordinance. According to Wright, the major changes to the ordinance was that a length of grass, 12 inches, is specified for the city to do work and a $100 fine will be added to the cost of city clean up.