Other Stories

Kerry Brinkerhoff
Staff Writer

At Golden Spike National Historic Site the Rangers mostly tell the story of the Transcontinental Railroad but some times nature takes precedent.

When Ranger Susan Conrad was giving her ranger presentation on the "Language of the Rails" to a large group of visitors, an unexpected visitor decided to slither in. The visitors to the Site were not amused as the Great Basin Gopher Snake decided to join the group. The snake commonly called a "blow" or "bull" snake because of its ability to imitate a rattlesnake, was not welcome and had to be removed to a less populated area away from the visitor center.

Another visitor to the Site was not as unwelcome but still had to be led out of the Visitor Center. A Carrier Pigeon who must have lost its way or stopped for a rest landed at the oasis out in the Great Basin desert. It made its way into the visitor center, took a look around the book store, then was led out the back door and hopefully got back on its way home.

Ranger Bob Hanover went to check the Site's emergency generator and while opening the lid he discovered a large furry creature which gave him quite a scare. He lunged back startled after the unveiling. When the lid was carefully lifted again a juvenile Racoon looked as startled as the Ranger.

Guests came in the Visitor Center one day to tell the Rangers a snake was on the board walk over the rails eating a mouse. Many of the guests were able to go out and view a Great Basin Gopher Snake in action as he swallowed a Sagebrush Vole.

This year many snakes have been found all around the park and just last week one was removed from the bookstore and another was viewed coming out of the visitor center mens' room.

Next time you come out to Golden Spike don't be surprised if you get a lesson in nature as well as in the linking of a Nation.

The Leader - Aug. 2, 2000