I’ve spent the better part of my life as the one who saves all living things, from fly’s to worms to bee’s. I remember even as a young child, giving space to insects and nature’s creatures, allowing them to enjoy their natural habitat. I guess it’s no real surprise why my trail-name is BugWhisperer. I’ve had that label for as long as I can remember.
I’m not writing today, to spew off a radical agenda that all life is precious. It’s just who I am and that’s that. I just simply want you to understand the impact of needlessly removing some of these creatures from the planet.
This year while adventuring at Savage Gulf State Natural Area, I witnessed something that hurt me deeply. The wonder and awe of this natural area is truly spectacular and if you’ve not visited this wilderness, I suggest you get out there and check it out.
After taking the short hike to the Stonedoor overlook, I watched as a couple of young-ish boys no older than 21, observing a harmless Garter Snake. There’s really no harm in watching this beauty as she made her way across the trail. I kept close because their intent shifted from watching to handling and eventually torturing. I cringed as they walked with and held her by the tail. Then the torture began when they started slinging her around, as she tried desperately to defend herself. It was clear they were going to kill her. The stigma surrounding snakes allows even good humans to feel this is necessary.
This poor girl could not yell for help and as they became more aggressive, I spoke for her and curtly asked them to let her go. The pair of boys, were resistant and seemed stunned that I even addressed them. My next statement to them was quite colorful and they surrendered her back to the ground.
I tried to discuss the impact of killing this creature and also reminded them of the LAW that protects these animals in our natural areas. My words fell on deaf ears and they eventually just wandered off down the trail. I guarded her until she was hidden safely away from them and other impacting humans.
In Tennessee, it is illegal to harm, kill, remove from the wild, or possess native snakes taken from the wild without the proper permits.
Please help the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to protect our native snakes. Do not remove snakes from the wild or release snakes that have been captive into the wild.
Biodiversity is important for creating sustainability because of the specialized roles each species plays in maintaining ecological balance. We can promote healthy wildlife by supporting integrative approaches for managing, protecting, and enhancing wildlife populations and habitats appropriate to their area.
Please take the time and be their voice! Your planet will appreciate the effort and return to you the beauty and inspiration of our natural resources.
Remember as an adventurer in Midlife Hiking Club you must strive to achieve the principles of Leave No Trace and create a minimum impact every time you explore our planet.
TAKE ONLY PICTURES
LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES
Plan ahead and prepare:
- Carry a map and know where you are going to reduce the chance of having to travel off trail.
- Always pack out trash. Repackage food to reduce waste.
Schedule trips during low-use times and travel in small groups.
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Travel and camp on durable surfaces:
- Camp on durable surfaces. These include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect plant and wildlife habitat by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
Dispose of waste properly:
- Pack it in, pack it out.
- Do your business in “cat holes” at least 200 feet from water, and cover the hole when done. Or pack it out in a “groover.”
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap.
- Scatter strained dishwater.
Leave what you find:
- That rock or antler looks cooler in the wild than on a shelf at home.
Minimize campfire impacts:
- No raging bonfires. Burn only when essential in established fire rings or using a low-impact mound fire.
Respect wildlife:
- View from a distance.
- Never handle any creature!
- Never feed wildlife.
- Control pets so that they don’t harass or scare wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors:
- Be quiet and let others coming up the trail pass by.