Snake Encounter

Throughout the latter half of semester two, my Maine Fish and Wildlife students focus on herpetology, or the study of amphibians and reptiles. Along the way they learn to identify nearly all of our state's frogs (by sight and sound), salamanders, snakes and turtles. We then take advantage of the nicer weather in May and June to do some "field herping". On a recent trip outdoors, we encountered our first reptile of the year. A beautiful common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) was observed by my block 1 class along the railroad tracks.

A common garter snake rests along the railroad tracks behind T.A. 

While amphibians are pretty easily observed in the T.A. forest, reptiles tend to be a bit more rare. It is always exciting for a class to be able to observe a species in the wild that we have spent so much time learning about in the classroom. Garter snakes are our most common snake in Maine and can be found statewide. They typically emerge from hibernation in late March or April and immediately begin search for a mate. They are viviparous meaning they give birth to live young and after a short gestation can produce 40 or more offspring. They feed primarily on earthworms but will also prey upon other small invertebrates and amphibians. 

Snakes are often vilified and irrationally feared by the public. I often hear stories from students who have killed snakes they find around their properties. There are no venomous snakes currently found in Maine and they are much more afraid of people than we are of them. The ecological value of these amazing reptiles is a big emphasis during this unit. If you find a snake in your travels, take it as a sign of a healthy ecosystem and enjoy from a distance.