Herping at the VRO, Again

Smooth Earth Snake: PC Tristan Schramer

Date:
September 11th 2015

Species Found

1. Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus)
2. Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
3. Smooth Earth Snake (Virginia valeriae)
4. American Toad (Bufo americanus)

Background:

Since Tristan and I had been given access to the Vermilion River Observatory, we had been trying to go there whenever we got free time. We went on a Friday afternoon with Eli, a friend who had come herping with us once before.

The Trip:

We got there and proceeded to check the big pile of tin as usual. We found a few Ringneck snakes, a new species for Eli. Under a large piece of tin that Eli and I flipped together, we found another Ringneck snake and a Smooth Earth Snake. The Smooth Earth Snake was the 2nd one that had ever been found at the VRO and the third one that had been found in the county since 1991. We had found the first VRO Smooth Earth a few weeks ago, but this one was more brightly colored than the last.

Ringneck Snake: PC Tristan Schramer

Smooth Earth Snake: PC Tristan Schramer

Smooth Earth Snake: PC Tristan Schramer

Under some old computer parts, I found 2 small Garter Snakes. One was calm while the other one was snapping furiously. It finally calmed down and I took a few more photos.

Garter Snakes: PC Yatin Kalki

Garter Snake: PC Yatin Kalki

Garter Snake: PC Yatin Kalki

We then checked some ponds and found lots of tadpoles and a few American Toads. It started raining and we knew our chances of finding snakes under cover were slimming. We checked a few more spots with no luck and headed back.