On Thursday April 21st, our class went on a trip to Donnelley Wildlife Management Area. Luckily, we were able to enjoy our time in the area before the thunderstorm. While there, we found a couple of southern cricket frogs (Acris gryllus), a greater siren (Siren lacertina), a black racer (Coluber constrictor) and a few banded water snakes (Nerodia fasciata). Unfortunately, the greater siren that was found in the trap was dead. However, we were able to take it back with us and add it to our specimen collection in lab. The first banded water snake that we found was very low key, which is not the typical behavior of the species. However, the others that we found put up a fight and quickly showed us the general temperament of the species.
The first banded water snake (Nerodia fasciata) that we found was rather small. Throughout the day, we found much larger banded water snakes. The average size of banded water snakes ranges from 24-24 inches. These snakes have three characteristics: dark cross bands, squarish spots at the sides of the belly, and a dark stripe from the eye to the jaw. They also have keeled scales. Banded water snakes flatten their bodies when they are alarmed and also discharge a musky odor from the glands at the base of the tail. They tend to strike and bite when they are cornered. Below is a picture of one of the banded water snakes that we found.
Greater Sirens are "eel-like" with forelegs and external gills. Below is a picture of the greater siren that we found.
Overall, it was interesting to see all of the snakes, frogs, and alligators. I greatly enjoyed our last trip!
(Alexis Kocher, SC)
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