What Time is it in Nature?

Spring welcomes many plants and animals from their winter retreats.  Here at Prairie Ridge we have had the opportunity to be greeted on sunny days by an Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)that has taken its winter refuge near our offices.  This scaly critter seems oblivious to approach as long as we don’t harass it. 

Eastern garter snakes are commonly found throughout North Carolina.  When alarmed or handled, these relatively harmless snakes may flatten their heads, attempt to bite, and exude a foul smelling musk from glands near the base of their tail in an attempt to defend themselves.  As predators, these snakes will eat a variety of smaller animals including earthworms, fish, and amphibians.  Our local specimen has been recently observed eating a toad. 

Be sure to be on the look out for snakes and other reptiles in your yard as they become more active with the warmer spring weather.  You can help scientists track our native reptiles and amphibians by participating in the Carolina Herp Atlas by visiting their website:

http://www.carolinaherpatlas.org/

Watch this short video of the snake searching the area.

The Eastern Garter Snake...

scans the area looking for a meal...

probing the air with its tongue...

it finds a toad...

and enjoys eating its tasty toad treat!

© 2007 NC Museum of Natural Sciences :: Email