Animal Planet produces this show for cable television. It's called "Snake Man of Appalachia." Unfortunately, it plays up a lot of stereotypes, but is authentic in its portrayal of family life for many folks in central Appalachia. The show's family lives in Letcher County, Kentucky and is primarily filmed there. I grew up in neighboring Pike County where a simple walk onto the front porch or across the lawn could mean a surprise visit from a rattlesnake or copperhead. Day or night.
There are two schools of thought about snakes back home in Appalachia: kill 'em or play with 'em. I remain firmly in the kill 'em camp. We lived one hour from the nearest hospital and taking chances with a venomous snakebite seemed foolhardy.
Two of my childhood friends were snakebit. The one I remember most clearly missed a year of school and nearly lost his foot as a result of the snakebite.
There are some short video clips depicting The Snakeman catching and caring for his snakes. Google search or see www.animal.discovery.com/tv/snake-man-of-appalachia The mountain scenery is nice. I can translate the dialect if needed.
There are two schools of thought about snakes back home in Appalachia: kill 'em or play with 'em. I remain firmly in the kill 'em camp. We lived one hour from the nearest hospital and taking chances with a venomous snakebite seemed foolhardy.
Two of my childhood friends were snakebit. The one I remember most clearly missed a year of school and nearly lost his foot as a result of the snakebite.
There are some short video clips depicting The Snakeman catching and caring for his snakes. Google search or see www.animal.discovery.com/tv/snake-man-of-appalachia The mountain scenery is nice. I can translate the dialect if needed.
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