During a late night excursion into the wilds of Oxford, OH; I discovered an exciting member of the Colubridae family. While immersed in the pitch black forest, I heard a tapping at my toes. I switched on my loaner flashlight to find the hopping of what I have come to suspect was a toad. Eager to catch him I gave chase that someone could only describe as bad. I tripped over, what I would call a downed tree limb or others would call a long twig. When I caught my footing I discovered a juvenile Thamnophis sirtalis. I couldn't help but reflect on the overwintering of the eastern garter snake because that is the first thing I always think about. I recalled that eastern garter snakes reside in a hibernacula; home to large number of Thamnophis sirtalis. They emerge and greet the new warmth with a yawn and a quick basking. After a few photos and a hug, he was released back into the woods. Cody Rabert (Oxford, OH).
1 comment:
Post a Comment