A lot of people do not like snakes. But snakes are actually a valuable part of the environment, and they have an important role to play wherever they live. Most snakes are totally harmless, too.
All tagged Snake
Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The Rare Copperbelly Water Snake
Most people have never seen a copperbelly water snake. The reason is simple: these snakes are very uncommon and they are becoming downright rare. The northern population of the copperbelly water snake (living in southern Michigan, northern Indiana and northwest Ohio) is even listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.
Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The Common Northern Water Snake
When people see a water snake, they frequently exclaim “Water Moccasin!” This often happens even in northern states like Wisconsin and Michigan that are way out of the snake’s native range. Water Moccasins (or Cottonmouths) are venomous, and although they do venture as far north as Indiana and Illinois, they are typically only found in the extreme southern parts of those states.
Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The Tiny Smooth Green Snake
Snakes are interesting creatures. Many people don’t like them or are frightened by them, but snakes are very beneficial and they are a vital and natural part of the ecosystem. One fascinating species of snake in the United States is the Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis).
Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The Eastern Hognose Snake
The eastern hognose snake is one of our most interesting snakes. They inhabit most of the eastern half of the United States, and also southern portions of Canada. These medium-sized snakes can be a variety of colors: orange, red, green, yellow, brown or black.
Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The Subterranean Eastern Worm Snake
Snakes are not the most beloved creatures in the great outdoors, but each species of snake has its own place in the ecosystem and each serves an important purpose. One interesting snake species that goes almost unnoticed throughout much of the Midwest and eastern United States is the Eastern Worm Snake.
Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The Beneficial Garter Snake
Almost everyone who has spent a little time outdoors has seen a common garter snake at one time or another. Garter snakes are the relatively small, black snakes with the yellow stripes that we see in our back yards, in our gardens, in our parks, along creek banks, and many other places.