Smooth Snake, Dorset.

One of the highlights of our Dorset holiday, summer past. I was permitted to hold this Smooth Snake under supervision from a registered handler. The snake had been used earlier in the day for teaching purposes and the Ranger was transporting it in a blanket covered glass tank, about to return it to the wild. Never one to miss an opportunity, I intercepted him and asked what he was carrying, then found myself invited into a shed for a closer look and the chance to handle it briefly. Pity my camera was ill prepared due to this unexpected treat. Mainly the fact I was holding the Snake in one hand and trying to change settings with the other before it was taken from me. I managed to up the ISOs, but didn't have time to put it on Tungsten light setting. Took about 5 shots, which I had to correct later in Picasa to change the lighting as best I could, but happy enough to have recorded the event. The Snake was fine, seemed content to sit curled up in my warm hand for a cosy, not stressed at all.

What a fabulous experience, since it is not permitted to seek these out or touch them without a licence.

Done