Snakes on a Prairie

Snakes are prevalent in the park. An integral part of the ecosystem they need to be respected and not feared. As they evolved from their lizard ancestors, losing their limbs to take advantage of narrow spaces, they come out of the rocky outcroppings in the park, especially on warm sunny days. They often know you are coming because of the vibration from walking and retreat before you come across them. Always give the snakes in the park the respect and space they deserve, it's their home.

Some of the varieties of snakes you may find in Perrot are:

Gopher Snake-also known as the bull snake-one of the loudest hissing snakes-protected.
Western Lizard Glass Snake-their tails can shatter and break off-endangered.
Timber Rattlesnake-venomous-protected.
Queen Snake-rare, feel lucky if you get to see one.
Milksnake-their babies are scarlet red and white.
Eastern Massasauga-venemous-endangered.
Eastern hognose Snake-flares it's neck looking cobra-like. Often flips over to play dead.
Bulter's Gartersnake-around wetlands-threatened
Easter Racer-one of the fastest, climbs trees to escape-protected.

These photos are courtesy of the Ranger Chris on her hike through the park this spring.



Eastern Racer

Racer escaping up a Tree.
 

If this information hasn't scared you off.

Join the Nature Program at Perrot State Park this Saturday, July 27th, 2013 at 7:00-8:30pm for "SNAKES ALIVE" special presentation including live snakes and reptiles at the Nature Center. It's a FREE program provided by the Friends of Perrot, remember a park sticker is required to enter the park. Hope you can make it.