Finding a rat snake coiled up on a bit of shrubbery is a bit of a surprise. Rat snakes like this Elaphus obsoleta are among the most abundant snakes around, and are incredibly economically beneficial. As the name suggests, they are major predators on various pest species.
This one was just hanging out comfortably on a branch. I nearly walked right past it. The snake didn't seem to mind me going in for a close-up, which is unusual. These snakes are known to be a bit touchy.
Even though these snakes are quite common and can get up to 8 feet long, they still manage to hide right under our noses.
- Log in to post comments
More like this
Kevin went to another place and kept catching a snake he cannot identify. Read more under the fold....
Pinqian Report
(pin - tchin)
The Pinqian trip is a fairly short and concise trip. The trip guest starred Vanessa Reynolds for about half the time. Prior to this trip, her China experience had…
The fifth installment just came in - read under the fold. (Oh, and BTW, I was wrong - the installments ARE in the correct chronological order)
Muyu, extended stay, report
(Mu - you, as in newt)
I never thought it would come to this, having to give a report on my finds and experiences in the town,…
Despite efforts, there just hasn't been enough time (yet) to get Tet Zoo to properly reflect the balance of diversity within Tetrapoda (I blame the charismatic megafauna). And among the many groups that have been totally under-represented here are the snakes: one of the most speciose (over 2700…
Kevin is back in the field, catching herps with abandon...
Return to Muyu
7 August
My first day back to the great town of Muyu. No more pizza, no more burgers, no more fries, no more cold beverages, just curious friendly faces. Linsen appeared in my room around 9am almost as if he hadn't missed a…
Particularly when trod upon by six-year old boys. Gave me a nice shot to my ankle as a thank-you.
For years, black rat snakes returned to the same hollow trunk next to my house (until the trunk fell down). At least one was the same, identifiable by a stumpy tail. One lives in my attic, keeping down the mouse population there. They're great climbers--I saw this one in the vines above my garage door.
What a beautiful creature!