SEVERAL birds were squawking up in the tree so we went to admire them and stood close by.

A large lizard sculpture was next to the tree and we stayed awhile to see it too.

As I was going to get my dog some water from nearby, my toddler was behind me still next to the tree, and I turned around to make sure he was all right.

As I turned, I noticed a 2m snake, also under the tree, with its head raised high and looking at my son.

Later I googled snake behaviour and discovered a rearing snake means it is ready to bite or strike! Either way, the snake terrified me because it was a metre away from my youngster.

Reader poll

Do you know what to do if confronted by snake?

This poll ended on 21 September 2015.

Current Results

No, I think I would freeze up in panic if one was too close

13%

Yes, just calmly move away, trying to keep an eye on which way it was going

80%

I'd be straight on the phone to a reptile handler to come to get away from me

5%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

My son didn't see it so I coaxed him to come towards me as quietly as I could without startling the reptile; and so he would not defiantly go in the opposite direction, as children sometimes do. I did not want him to see the snake, fearing he might approach it out of curiosity.

Thank goodness he came towards me. With my other baby still in my arms, I grabbed my toddler and left as quickly as I could. We were safe, but only just.

My father, a bushman, said if my son had made eye contact with the snake he would have been bitten.

I hoped to warn other parents of what snakes will do, and let them know when to be wary: namely when lots of birds are gathered making a racket. And to walk away.