I ran over a snake today while riding my bike on the trail, and I can't stop thinking about it. I always watch very carefully for snakes, but I have to wear sunglasses because some of the trail is in the sun, and when I'm riding in the shaded part, it's hard to see more than a few feet in front of me. I'm going so fast that there isn't time to react when I see something.
The snake was about as thick as my thumb. If you've ever seen a snake skeleton, you know that the bones are quite tiny. My bike tires must have crushed the skeleton (in two places). I didn't stop when I ran over the snake, but I didn't see the snake on my way back, so it must have gotten off the trail. I picture it dying a painful death on the side of the trail.
Laugh at me if you want. I know that nature is red in tooth and claw and that predation is a fact of life for most animals. It's just that I don't like being the cause of death. This snake was minding its own business until I came along. But for me, this snake would be wending its way toward whatever destination it had in mind. I hope it survives somehow.
