Like Julie, I believed we didn't have rattlesnakes in Iowa until I learned that they did exist in the Loess Hills. But Madison County?? That's way too close for me.
They are properly called venomous snakes, not poisonous. And thank you for pointing out that all snakes are beneficial to the environment. None of them want to hurt us, they do so only in self defense when stepped on or otherwise bothered by humans. Otherwise they use their venom to kill prey, but we humans are much too big for them, so they bite or strike us only out of fear.
As a devoted "word person," I appreciate your pointing out the distinction between "venomous" and "poisonous." I grew up in Texas, where all four species of venomous snakes can be found: rattlesnake, copperhead, moccasin, and coral snake. Snakes have never creeped me out, as I find them rather beautiful. Spiders are another story.
Oh, this is so fun. I was always told we didn’t have poisonous snakes in Iowa. I had no idea Madison County had rattlesnakes! Love the story behind the quilt.
Like Julie, I believed we didn't have rattlesnakes in Iowa until I learned that they did exist in the Loess Hills. But Madison County?? That's way too close for me.
They are properly called venomous snakes, not poisonous. And thank you for pointing out that all snakes are beneficial to the environment. None of them want to hurt us, they do so only in self defense when stepped on or otherwise bothered by humans. Otherwise they use their venom to kill prey, but we humans are much too big for them, so they bite or strike us only out of fear.
As a devoted "word person," I appreciate your pointing out the distinction between "venomous" and "poisonous." I grew up in Texas, where all four species of venomous snakes can be found: rattlesnake, copperhead, moccasin, and coral snake. Snakes have never creeped me out, as I find them rather beautiful. Spiders are another story.
Oh, this is so fun. I was always told we didn’t have poisonous snakes in Iowa. I had no idea Madison County had rattlesnakes! Love the story behind the quilt.