September 12, 2010 | 
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My recent trip to Copper Breaks State Park was the first trip I have ever taken where I specifically went looking for herps (I was especially hoping to see rattlesnakes and horny toads). At the park, there were signs posted at the trail heads warning of rattlesnakes. so I was giddy (and a little nervous) as I set out for the day. The equestrian trail (always the best trails for wildlife viewing, IMO) was deserted and my cell phone had no signal. *Gulp* Early on, I spotted this snake skin:
I certainly cannot ID a snake by its shed skin, but we’ve learned that it is indeed possible. In my mind, I was sure this was a good sign that I would soon find a rattlesnake.
About halfway through my first day, I came across this pristine snake trail. I had never seen anything like this, yet I instantly knew what it was. You’ll notice that the trail leads to a grass outcropping…which I followed. No snake. At least, no snake that I could see – I certainly didn’t feel around with my hands or poke around with my foot. Maybe I should have, because this was the closest I got to a snake during my 1 and 1/2 days at the park. It wasn’t until I returned home that I finally encountered a couple of snakes 
Look who I startled when I walked out into my backyard! I believe this is a Western Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis proximus proximus) – the largest and most colorful snake I’ve seen this year. It’s no rattler, but I was excited all the same. (I love that green wash on the belly and sides!)
This is my handy-dandy snake-length estimator.
Turns out this ribbon snake was camera shy – he didn’t stick around long for his photo shoot.
[squealing] LOOK! A baby Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus). I have had a healthy population of these small, emerald snakes around my house this year. This is the first baby I’ve seen, and it was simply making its way across the grass. (I suspect my dog might have spooked it out of some lush, pond-side vegetation). She was easy to catch, but just as feisty as the adult Rough Green Snake I encountered earlier this summer.
What a cutie!
I may not have found a “real live” rattlesnake in the field yet, but I’ve sure had fun looking. I think my experiences are a testament to the truth that most snakes prefer not to tangle with people. I hope these posts about my serpentine encounters will chip away an the innate fear of snakes that so many people have. Snakes are really beautiful and fascinating animals, worthy of our respect, and deserving their rightful place in wild and urban ecosystems.
If you would like to read a brief but informative article about snake safety, please visit this link to a recent article in the August 2010 edition of Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine, “Skill Builder: Snake Safety.”
Posted in Amphibians & Reptiles
Good post! But your first two photos don’t show up.
Thanks for the heads-up, I fixed it.
I see a future HoH submission!
You should’ve poked around in that grass clump with a (long!) stick.
Yep. I can’t wait for you to see what I’ve got planned for AIF – will get it posted just under the wire.
As far s poking around in the clump of grass where a rattlesnake might very well be resting…I’ll pass!!
[...] on her knees, she stared at the dirt, And spotted some tracks that made her alert: A long narrow trail, and there, just beyond, A snakeskin! Still fresh, the snake not long [...]
That’s a nice snake, but I think it’s a checkered garter (T. marcianus) instead of a ribbon. Some checkered garters are less checkered than others, but when you’re trying to distinguish them from a ribbon snake check the position of the lateral stripes (the light stripes on either side, just off the belly scales). A checkered garter will have it on rows 2 and 3 for most of the body, as this one has, while a ribbon will have it higher up the side, on rows 3 and 4. Also look at the markings on the lip – ribbons tend to have all white scales along the lips. Once you see enough of these guys, you’ll notice the overall body shape differences – ribbons are thinner, more delicate snakes with a cleaner overall look to them. Cute green snake too. Best of luck with the rattler – they’re always special to find.
Hi Bernard – thanks for the tips on the snake ID. I puzzled over the pictures in my Texas Snakes field guide, back and forth between garter snakes and ribbon snakes. I’ll go back and study the pics to see the ID marks you’ve mentioned. And yes, I thought the baby green snake was adorable, if squirmy. You’ll for sure know if I can ever find a rattler!
I like those snake photos. Interesting to see snakes unknown to me up close and I like to see them in your hand (for a short while) or looking up at your camera. It is fascinating to me what it must be like to be a snake looking up at these multi-limbed critters. I was having a talk with a new friend in the Tetons last week about people’s ancient fear of snakes and I told her I have an ancient fear of boys.
Ba-ha-ha! Boys aren’t so bad…they’re more likely to get excited about snakes with you than most girls I know.