@jamesholt I'm fairly certain that is a photo of a Barred Owl, not a Great Horned. We have the same species here and they will definitely take a smaller cat. Both are amazing birds.
@SalixGold I'm not sure about the rest of the US or other countries, but I do know where I live pond vs lake is completely arbitrary. Generally, a lake is larger and deeper, but I live in the Lakes Region area and some of our "lakes" are nothing more than ponds, and vice versa. Baxter Lake covers 302 acres and has a maximum depth of 16 feet, but Balch Pond is 577 acres with a maximum depth of 46 feet.
New England, USA
Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
To answer your question: Ladder snakes are not venomous but they will give you a nasty bite - rather like a dog bite apparently. They have venom on fangs at the back of their throats for their prey.
It's rare to see them as they feel the vibrations of someone approaching and usually slip away. I must have a light tread!!
They are certainly not aggressive.
The only venomous snake in France (I believe) is the viper which live in more forest type areas.
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To answer your question: Ladder snakes are not venomous but they will give you a nasty bite - rather like a dog bite apparently. They have venom on fangs at the back of their throats for their prey.
It's rare to see them as they feel the vibrations of someone approaching and usually slip away. I must have a light tread!!
They are certainly not aggressive.
The only venomous snake in France (I believe) is the viper which live in more forest type areas.