Snakes

Not So! Earl Plato

A snake is a snake is a snake! Not so to me and callers like Roy Healey of Niagara Falls. Roy came across two snakes resting near a water site. These snakes frequently bask on rocks as these two did. Northern water snake? We think so.
On our recent trip to Pelee Island we learned that tbere were at least two endangered snake species in Ontario. They were the Blue racer and yes, the Northern water snake. ‘Lake Erie water snake’ was another name for the species. Both Roy and I had seen the water snake in our youths. I vividly remember this snake coming across the pond toward our raft. Cousin Sam called out “Water moccasin!” Not so. It was a Northern water snake. They are rare around here now. He told me that he might try to move them to a safer location than the well-walked present location.
Roy described the snakes as having a diameter of two or more inches. Watersnakes do get quite thick. Research says that they seldom exceed 1.5 metres in length. That’s still a long snake. Roy’s snakes weren’t that long. Colours range from pale gray or brown with blotches to a dark slate-gray or black. Roy’s snakes were of a darker hue as were the one’s I recall as a boy. They are not a pretty looking snake but - it normally tries to flee but will flatten its body when trapped. The late Fort Erie naturalist, Bert Miller, told me as child to avoid any snake that is aggressive. Yes, the water snake if threatened will strike out repeatedly. Sorry, but your wounds will bleed profusely because of an anticoagulant in its saliva. Note: They are non-venomous. Don’t kill them! This is a beneficial snake and should be protected. Roy wear gloves. Good luck! . ***
Checked out the Fort Erie Friendship Trail by car today. What? I stopped at various intersections and walked a short distance each time. Take a nature walk someday on this great walkway. How many different plants did you see? How many bird species? Become a naturalist.