When I posted a blog on Facebook about the possibility of an increase in the summer snake population because of all the spring rain, we saw multiple comments from people responding to those who would kill ALL snakes, given the opportunity.

But black snakes were defended furiously for their prowess in taking care of OTHER snakes--poisonous ones--that might slither into our lives.

He is no fan of the black snake in any shape, fashion, or form.

And he goes into great detail as he busts myths about our supposed ally and its true value, if any.

But not before he does extol the benefit of the presence of a black snake, namely that it kills and eats rodents.

But then, yes, he delves right into the misconceptions about black snakes regarding whether or not they REALLY keep poisonous snakes away, whether or not they mate with copperheads (I've never heard that one), and whether or not--and this is a big one--they actually ARE harmless.

The first and third of those points are extremely good ones.

Hey, I hate snakes. I don't want a black snake around me, either. I won't go out of my way to kill one (because I'd have to get closer than I ever will), but I don't like them.

Let them do their thing and I'll do mine.

Which is to avoid all snakes at all costs.