The Snake in the Pool

We live by a nature preserve and see many birds, reptiles, and animals. Some birds remain all year and others migrate. Most are small but a few have wide wingspans which cast big shadows. Reptiles include snakes, bountiful geckos, turtles and alligators. Squirrels and raccoons are nearby. Bobcats and a rare Florida panther have been photographed.

Both of us respect life and return creatures found inside the pool cage to its natural habitat. But sometimes we see something and ask each other "what in the world is that?" This story is true but altered to cushion my identity as the one calling to grandpa too get his net!