Muleshoe to the rescue

A tiny, magical thing happened the other day. We saved a life. And by we, I mean all of us – the extended Muleshoe family.

Back in May, we held our second annual Snake Count at Muleshoe. One of the great things about Muleshoe is its small, intimate space. Guests who weren’t here specifically for snakes mingled with those of us whose lives are dedicated to these fascinating and misunderstood creatures. Conversations were had about what to do with unwanted venomous snakes in the yard. Offers were made by new friends to rescue these animals should the situation arise.

Snake Counters
Snake Counters, Spring 2012

As often happens, the weekend ended without an exchange of contact information. But through Muleshoe, everyone remains connected.

On the morning of 9 July, a couple who attended Snake Count 2013 awoke to find a western diamond-backed rattlesnake stuck in some chicken wire in their yard. Getting stuck in wire or netting can be deadly for a snake due to the stress of capture combined with the inevitable Arizona sun. And safely removing a struggling rattlesnake is a tricky job that should be left to an experienced snake handler.

death in birdnetting
An especially graphic example of what netting can do to snakes. Thank you Snake Catcher Victoria Australia for letting us use your photos.

“But what was that guy’s name we met at Muleshoe who offered to help us with a situation like this?”

They called and emailed Muleshoe immediately. I knew exactly who they were talking about and supplied them with his contact information. A short time later, the snake was safely removed 🙂

Henry, Muleshoe’s favorite western diamond-backed rattlesnake

Obviously Muleshoe serves as a sanctuary for wildlife that call it home: an escape from hunting, collecting, and human encroachment into their habitat elsewhere. From the deer and birds that people flock here to see, to the scorpions, rattlesnakes, and spiders that many people would rather not see, they are all free here to do as they please.

It’s nice to know that through connections made at Muleshoe, that sanctuary can sometimes extend beyond our physical borders.

*Many thanks to our anonymous friend for rushing over to rescue the snake and to the couple who cared enough about a rattlesnake to find help for him 🙂