EARLIER this year on one of those all-too-rare hot, sunny days I could see from my window a small mound in the middle of the garden.
I went outside to investigate and came face to face with a large, coiled snake.
Noting the bright yellow markings on its neck, I was satisfied that it was a grass snake. As I slowly retreated it raised its head and I could clearly see the forked tongue darting in and out as it moved.
It was a magnificent specimen and I felt privileged for the brief sighting of such a shy creature, and in a flash it was gone.
If we are lucky enough to get any more hot days this year, and anyone should experience such an encounter, remember, these snakes are harmless and have only come into your garden in search of water or to bask in the sun.
Leave them in peace and they will very quickly disappear doing no harm whatsoever.
VALERIE BRAITHWAITE
