Happening upon a rather large rat snake going about her everyday rituals, I was not surprised when the beautiful specimen suddenly took a defensive posture and began rapidly whipping the tip of her tail against the heavy leaf clutter.
She then resorted to her next display of aggression as I eased closer, striking in my direction and quickly returning to a coiled position. Although aware that this particular species was not venomous, experience had taught me that they were not beyond biting if the opportunity arose. That in mind, I opted to be on my way and allow her to go about her business.
Her choice of action was not uncommon. In fact, I had watched rat snakes bluff their adversaries numerous times throughout the years. And I'll have to admit, that although aware they are perfectly harmless, it is somewhat unnerving to reach down and pick up even a non-venomous snake that is quick to show aggression.
That being said, many species throughout the animal kingdom depend upon interesting tactics to increase the odds of their well being, and I'll be the first to suggest that snakes are masters at trickery.
Of course we do have snake species in our neck of the woods that pack a punch, aAnd although they utilize their venom predominantly for disabling their prey, these snakes are not beyond biting and envenomating their adversaries as a means of survival.
However, even these species often give warning prior to defensive biting. Water moccasins, also referred to as cottonmouths, often gape and show the cottony white texture of the interior of their mouths as potential adversaries near.
Rattlesnakes often give an audible warning by twitching their tails and producing that sound that hardly anyone wants to hear during an excursion in the outdoors.
Even copperheads use the same tactic as the rat snake, twitching their tail against the leaf cover and producing a noise that is comparable to that produced by a rattler.
But all of these species are equally as apt to remain totally motionless, depending upon their color patterns, to go unnoticed with great success. But one should also bear in mind that these snakes that remain motionless might have already resorted to a defensive posture and will bite if they feel threatened.
But even those snakes that are harmless can make one reluctant to approach without a sense of caution. In fact, several species will resort to the same tactics as did the aforementioned rat snake with perfection.
Some species depend upon other means of survival that are equally as effective. Don't get me wrong, coachwhips are quick to bite. However, bites associated with this particular non-venomous species occur far less often, as they are extremely quick and notoriously climb into the canopy of small trees upon sensing danger. In turn, they often go unnoticed.
Hognose snakes are extremely effective at deterring potential predators with interesting tactics, as they are capable of mocking a cobra. And if caping a hood and hissing is not effective, they often regurgitate their most recent meal. And if that doesn't work, they simply roll over and play dead.
Speaking of playing dead, let's talk about one of our native mammals. Opossums are generally peaceful critters and don't seem to prefer a fight. However, I can tell you from experience that these critters will also resort to biting if deemed necessary.
But they are quick to flee, and if that doesn't work, they, too, will roll over and play dead. I am unsure if this response is involuntary or if they choose when to resort to bluffing their potential adversaries, but it does appear to be extremely effective.
How about lizards? Well, it does seem kind of handy to be equipped with a tail that is easily broken off and will grow back, and I have always been intrigued with the green anole's ability to change from a brilliant green color to a drab brown.
Birds are also masters of trickery, as I have watched a mother bird suddenly fly to the ground and appear injured, to draw the attention of potential predators that might harm her nestlings.
Protective mother birds will also swoop down toward predators in an effort to scare them away, and in turn, protect their vulnerable offspring.
Some bird species are also vocal in their efforts to ensure their wellbeing. Blue Jays notoriously go into an audible frenzy upon happening upon a snake, and for some reason, they often react the same way to squirrels.
Crows are communal and are quick to warn those in the flock of potential danger with a series of caws. In fact, they are known for their problem solving abilities, and it is suggested that they have impressive communication skills.
The aforementioned tactics are but a few that the wildlife calling Arkansas home depend upon for their survival. And I wouldn't be the least bit surprised that those who are willing to quietly stray out into the forest, take a seat against a tree and take in their surroundings will experience even more intriguing traits of our native wildlife first hand.