Ribbon Snake

I saw the first snake of 2010 yesterday at Castlewood State Park along the rising Meramec. Haven't seen one for years. They were extremely common along all the rivers in southern Missouri, when I was young; they are expert at catching minnows. Taken with a Canon 100mm Macro lens.

Debated whether to Post this or not (Pygmy Rattler)

Never even told Myron. There is a very deep and gorgeous canyon to the south side of the ROLF property. This past April I hike the entire length and continued west to a gravel road which eventually led me back to the Signed entrance of ROLF. Near the top of the canyon of rocks, where the canyon turns into a creek with ledge rocks, I spotted the first rattlesnake I have ever seen at ROLF sunning himself on a warm 75F day. It is a Pygmy rattler, small and looking out of place in southern Missouri, but a real rattlesnake. If I ever saw one at ROLF, I expected it to be a Timber Rattler.

I was amazed at the beauty of this snake and his relative calmness (probably because he has just out of hibernation). His total length was maybe 16-18". I watched him and photographed him about two dozen times. He never moved or rattled. I got as close as 4' and he did not even twitch, he was at peace with the world on this beautiful day; so was I. After 30 or so minutes I left still marveling at what I had seen.

Here is the description:

Sistrurus miliarius streckeri

Local Name: ground rattler

This is one of the smallest species of rattlesnakes in North America. General color is light grayish-brown, with a row of small, dark brown spots on the back and similar spots on each side. Most specimens also have a rust-colored stripe down the back. The belly is usually gray. The pygmy rattlesnake has a thin tail and a tiny rattle. Length averages from 15 to 20 inches (38-51 cm). This species lives under rocks on cedar glades and is so secretive that few people encounter it. The sound of the vibrating rattle is a faint buzz like the sound of a grasshopper. Food includes small lizards, snakes, frogs and mice. Although the bite of this species is not fatal, a bite victim should seek immediate medical attention. The pygmy rattlesnake should be respected and left alone.

Missouri Distribution: Counties bordering Arkansas and the eastern Missouri Ozarks.

Large Diamondback Water Snake

Non-venomous but intimidating. This fellow was situated just below the Tree Top Hideaway at waters edge. Not long after this years May high water.

Close-up of Copperhead 9/27

I took this picture with a 105 mm on a Canon 5D DSLR so I wasn't as close as it looks -- but still too close. This snake was not active (actually kind of lethargic in the 44F morning temperatures).

This snake is one of the very few venomous snakes found at ROLF. If you watch where you are stepping and move quickly you would remain 99% safe from this variety of pit viper.

Note the elliptical eye slits.

Smallest snake I have ever seen (Ring Neck Snake)

I cute and gentle little adult Ring Neck snake found 2 years ago by River of Life Spring in the rocks; he was release completely unharmed after we examined him.

Diamond Back Water Snake

Common to the North Fork, this heavy bodied water snake is often confused the the highly venomous Cotton Mouth Water Moccasin. They are frequently killed on sight; which should not be done. These snakes have a bad temper and will run if pursued and bite and writh around if cornered. I see many of these snake about 18 inche long and their diamond pattern is very clear.  Observe this snake and move on; please.

WOW. A Green Snake

The Green snake is common in the trees along the North Fork where he blends  in so well. Occasionally, one falls in the river and has to quickly swim to the bank, a bluff, or anywhere to get out of the water. I photographed this one in late April 2008.

Eastern Hognose Snake

IS THIS SNAKE DEAD ?? Nope, just playing possum. This is an Eastern Hognose or Spread-head (Ozark term). They are so interesting to observe. If you encounter one, they try to run, if they can not get away, they will coil up and shake their tails like a rattle snake; even hiss loudly and strike out; if that does not work to scare you off, then they writhe around on the ground like they are fatally injured; all the time, watching your reaction.

Finally, the play dead, and roll over on their back, allow their mouth to open and let their tongue hang out. If you roll them back over on their stomach, they will immediately roll over again and will continue this "act" until you leave. I have seen a few of the these snakes in sandy places where there are lots of frogs at ROLF.

These snakes are harmless; they won't even bite. Please do not attemp to harm or kill Missouri's snakes.

Good sized Northern Water Snake this May 2008

I saw him along the North Fork banks on a cool morning. He is not very aggressive like they can be because her is real cold. These snakes are beneficial and should  not be harmed or teased in any way. The are falsely accused of being poisonous moccasins but are harmless. Also pictured  (on top) is a pretty large one from 2006 up river near Blue Springs.