By Dave Wilson

If you are like me, your concern about running into a poisonous snake over the weekend is close to 'Not.' You should talk to Reiley, the border collie who lives at 9015 Penn Manor Court. He was just out with his fellow border collie, Pete, minding his own doggie business August 2^nd. Riley and Pete were snuffing along the fence, where the lawn meets the woods. Suddenly, he was bitten by something.

The first vet was unsure what bit Reily, and sent him home with some asperin and a "call me Monday". By Saturday night he was mighty sick. He owners took him into the Springfield Animal Hospital emergency room. They quickly recognized the problem -- Riley had been bitten by a copperhead snake.

A Copperhead Snake

As you can see, if this fellow was sitting among the leaves and debris that edge the woods, he would be almost invisible. Even to a sharp-eyed dog. Copperheads are indiginous to the area.

The good news is that Riley is out of the hospital after a week's stay. He will need some skin grafts and other therapy before he is back to 100%. There are no known cases of human fatalities as a result of a copperhead bite.

The bad news is that we are in the heart of copperhead country. With the drought we are currently having, every one of God's creatures is out looking for a drink. Even snakes need a drink now and then and what could be more tempting than a nice lawn with a sprinkler. So keep a sharp eye out for Mr. Copperhead. He's not a friendly fellow.