SNAKES: See the good in them

Thank you for the great article by Matt Ellerbeck regarding snakes. I have always been deathly afraid of snakes, although I used to do a lot of hiking and was passionate about all of the environment.

After a few encounters I realized that because of my fear I missed the opportunity to observe the snake and how he was living his life. Matt is correct, a snake will get out of your way if he knows you are coming (most of the time; there was that rubber boa, who did not care if I was around). Snakes as well as most other species have a distinct effect on their environment and are essential to that environment.

When I went to college at Idaho State University, the herpetologist was going to allow me to go to the rattlesnake dens on the Arco desert. Unfortunately the snakes were not out by the time the term was over. Snakes do have a really bad rep and that is a shame. Killing them just because of that rep is a real shame and counter to a healthy environment.

SUE COON

Coeur d'Alene