Does Bamboo attract snakes?

[Butterfly4u]

I was wondering if bamboo, in particular clumping bamboo may attract snakes.
I saw a snake last fall by my bamboo and had never seen a snake in my yard before.
Snakes like grass, I think. Tall grass anyway.
Just a question.
Thanks.

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Carla,
This is a tough question because there are so many different environments and habitats and kinds of snakes around the world ... I'd like to hear of others encounters with snakes in bamboo.
Personally, I have a very healthy respect - like to keep a good distance away from snakes ... though considering all the time I've spent outdoors and in the bamboo, I have rarely encountered snakes, especially in bamboo.

I do remember (while in Georgia), and have pics somewhere, of a bird squawking and making a big fuss as a snake climbed up a shrubby bamboo after the eggs in her nest in the branches.
My attempts to take a picture distracted the snake and I hope as a result that the bird/egg survived. I love birds though I do respect snakes for their role in keeping down rodent and insect populations.

Mark

[puravida]

yes I think lot of it depends on where you're at and what kind of snakes are common in that area. Part of it might be urban myth as well, and a common hatred of all bamboos. But also I think here at least in Costa Rica there is a general (partly unfounded) fear of all snakes. Most people kill first then first ask questions later. It's important to know the difference in which ones are dangerous and which ones are not. Here there are some very dangerous snakes, but there are also many harmless ones.

Also keeping the lower branches on some bamboos trimmed will create less space for snakes to hide, or at least make it easier to spot and avoid them. Also cutting out some of the older culms I think would help.

[Mark Meckes]

Here's some pics provided by wannabRN - Arkansas

http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/516/thumbs/snake.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=4146&cat=516&ppuser=1416) http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/516/thumbs/snake1.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=4147&cat=516&ppuser=1416)

... and by Agrobambu - Brasil
http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/516/thumbs/Snake_at_vitatta_harvest-Agrobambu.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=3844)

True, a snakes' only reason to be around bamboo is to bask in the sun or to prey on birds nesting, tree frogs(?) and other small creatures inhabiting the bamboo.

Mark