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| Our nameless 20 or 30-something-yr. old snake |
For those who fear snakes, this is an easy way to get to know them. I first met snakes at the cottage. Everyone used to kill Water Snakes on sight, never mind the rattle snakes, because in the 60s we didn't understand the cycle of life.
Next snake I met was Nigini, my grade 8 science teacher had a Boa Constrictor in our classroom. In my classrooms, I did much in the way of educating students about biodiversity, species at risk, and the important of the cycle of life.
While Alida talked, she let snakie put himself on the tree.
These snakes have flat bellies, to allow them to grab with their bellies onto the bark. Their skin is silkie-smooth, and warm to the touch.
Yes, these snakes go up into the trees, but you need not fear them falling, they are up there very securely!
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| 2017 |
You'll find them on the edge of a forest, they tell me. Where they can sun themselves, and find places to rub up against to shed their skins. Although, my cat spotted one in the leaves on the ground. I convinced him to find something else to play with!
We spotted a Ratsnake on the road last month. It rattled its tale, just like rattlers, an interesting defense mechanism as it mimics Rattlesnakes when it ruffles the leaves!
The park has Water Snakes, as well as Garter Snakes. The Ratsnake is the most docile. The park continues to chip and monitor snakes, as this species is at-risk for extirpation.
Sliding scale of species who are in danger of extinction:
- Species at risk -
- Special concern -
- Threatened -
- Endangered -
- Extirpated - gone in a particular region or ecosystem.
- Extinct - gone forever.
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| Jofee (4 yrs.) led the parade. |
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| Water Snake suns itself on an old Beaver Lodge |
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| A wee garter snake I rescued from the cats! |
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| Northern Redbelly on my snake ID guide not rescued from cats |
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| Eastern Garter snake |
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| Eastern massassagua rattler - courtesy Bruce Clark Found on the shores of Georgian Bay |
