Here in Paradise, like the garden of Eden, beware of snakes. I saw one with scales that shimmered golden as if touched by King Midas. A black racer lives under my lanai but fortunately seems shy of me and passing foot traffic. Our slithery neighbors love the heat, sliding across the pathways like melting butter when you least expect it! It’s a matter of pride that I don’t jump as high upon seeing a snake as I did when I moved in. I still shriek, however.

Some snaky residents aren’t local. Exotic pet owners who tire of feeding mammoth reptiles such as anacondas, boas and pythons “set them free”. Free to eat endangered birds’ eggs, fawns, rabbits, etc. Free to overwhelm the Everglades and sometimes stray into urban areas. We’re cautioned to keep a close eye on the underbrush for predatory reptiles. 

However, no one posts warning signs concerning the danger of lurking humans. . .