Migration
Snake slithers across guardsman's rifle during exercise
Stars and Stripes
April 18, 2018
During an 1-173 Infantry training exercise this month at Eglin Air Force Base, a southern black racer snake slithered across the barrel of junior U.S. Army National Guard sniper Pfc. William Snyder's rifle. (William Frye/Alabama National Guard)
Holding still is an essential skill for a sniper, but sometimes, it's got to be hard.
During an 1-173 Infantry training exercise this month at Eglin Air Force Base, a southern black racer snake slithered across the barrel of junior U.S. Army National Guard sniper Pfc. William Snyder's rifle. You can't see his face in the camouflaged ghillie suit.
Fun facts about the black racer: It's a non-venemous snake, though it will readily bite to defend itself and its needle-sharp teeth may cause bleeding, according to the Florida Museum.