It was just one of those days.... Left work a little early to get in some late afternoon herping.
I've found an abundance of garters/browns/ringnecks and racers (including the eggs I found and incubated this summer) but I have yet to find a smooth green or northern watersnake. Well today I found both!
I found the smooth green under some metal sheets I'd laid out to check under by some power lines down the street. Then I went to an area near a swamp a friend of mine has seen quite a few baby milks (most DOR). After making a few passes and not seeing anything I noticed a 3 foot Northern water catching the last of the afternoon rays about 2 feet off the road. At first I didn't see it's head and figured it was dead since it didn't move and must have been watching me go by a few times, but when I got up closer I could see it was quite alert. With the sun at my back I was able to get close enough to grab it. I was greeted with an open mouth and the worst musk I've ever smelled. My only problem now was only one snake bag and two snakes that probably don't mix. Of course the snake bag was tied tightly to my bike and I couldn't have gotten it off if I tried with just one hand. Luckily I had my cell and called my friend with my free hand and he came right over with another container (Thanks Mike!)
Anyway I took some pics. Enjoy!
I have yet to find anything else, except garters, milks and the nerodia.. Here is a picture of one that i took on the bridge going over a large pond in my yard. Thanks for looking.
