The Snow Snake (Aestatesommus hiemepericulosus) was a fearsome critter from the tales of lumberjacks of North America from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Description[]
The Snow Snake was a pure white snake with pink eyes. They were said to have crossed over from Siberia via Bering Strait during the year of the Two Winters. They hibernated during Summer and were active during Winter. Its white coloration against the snow made it invisible to prey. They were venomous and lived on owls, weasels, birds and other animals that preyed on smaller game. They often didn't bite humans but if they did, tanglefoot oil was the only remedy. According to Native Americans, winding trails in the snow were said to be made by Snow Snakes.
Gallery[]
Further reading[]
- "The Snow Snake" from Fearsome Critters (1939) by Henry H. Tryon
- "The Snow Snake" from Yarns of the Big Woods (1922-1295) by Art Childs
- "Snow Snakes" from Paul Bunyan Natural History (1935) by Charles E. Brown