More chicagoland herping...

[Sushigaijin]

Today I spent some time in the sun (finally!!) and found a few snakes. Although it wasn't the best day for variety, I did manage to round up 30 odd gartersnakes and 2 smooth green snakes. The smooth greens are a new species for me, I have been with people as they found them before, but never stumbled upon them myself. I have a date with this one again soon, I only had time for voucher shots today.



I spooked a hawk into a tree, and then It just sat there on a low limb. I was so close I was afraid it was going to poop on me. Full frame.



And gartersnakes were ubiquitous. Many were found basking, and an equal number under tin. One particularly bountiful piece of tin yielded 7 or 8 - they scattered immediately, but it was no less than 6, and not greater than 10. All shot as found.



Closer:



different one.



I know they're nothing special, but it's all practice for the good stuff.

[AgingEyes]

How close were you to the snakes? I just wonder if there was any chance that you would get bitten.

[Dylan8i]

nice shots, what habitat are the green (smooth or rough) found in? ive never seen one before.

snakes (in the us) have to be very agitated in order to even try to bite, they simply try to get away, and if they can't they go in to a defensive posture, then try to get away. the northern water snake is the most agressive snake around these parts, and i have been bitten catching them. but not much to worry about ususally.

[Sushigaijin]

gartersnake bite is pretty low on my worry list. I've been bitten hundreds of times by them. There are some snakes that make me think twice about grabbing them - a big rat snake like Dylan's last post might draw blood, and racers (a type of snake) almost ALWAYS bite. Watersnakes are extremely defensive as well.

Most snakes are loath to get into a biting situation, and try to escape the best they can. They also usually calm down after they have been picked up; I think they understand that you aren't going to hurt them once you don't. The most important thing is to be able to recognize a non-venomous snake from a venomous snake. I don't take any chances with venomous snakes, and maintain a hands-off policy. I have a snake hook and tongs if I need to move a venomous snake.

The worst defense a non-venomous snake has are its musk glands. Nothing worse than to be pooped on by a snake that eats mostly fish or birds - a big wad of nastiness from the rear end of a redbelly snake (about five inches long and totally harmless) is about the worst herping experience one can have.

Distance to snakes in the closest photos above is about five inches, laying in the mud.