Lake George NY and snakes

Nature Calls Earl Plato

Is Lake George, New York State, the Queen of American Lakes ? I believe it is. The 32 mile long lake is fed by mammoth underground springs. It includes 108 miles of shoreline and about 300 islands. Now an island here could be a few square yards of rock peaking out on the surface. Or one we passed by on our steamship, Mohican, that was over a mile long. It was a state owned island with plenty of places to dock and camp for $17 a day. We were at Lake George for two days in late September. The last time we were headed there was September 11th, 2001! You know what happened then. We headed home pronto but with the desire to see this gem of a lake once again. This time in late September it was perfect weather. The deciduous trees were at about 40% of their full Fall foliage colour. Yes, there were some brilliant reds appearing in the maples. Alas, the amusement park with our old Crystal Beach Comet coaster ride was closed for the season. However, Lake George area is truly a “gem” in many ways.
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As we passed slowly by the mile long state park island on Lake George the captain told us that campers there should wear high boots. Why? Timber rattlers exist there! Garter snakes galore and Red bellies too? I think so. I have walked and climbed the hills and mountains in the Adirondack region over the years, I have seen both Timber rattlesnakes and the Redbelly snakes. However, the last time I saw a Redbelly locally was on an upward path in our own Shorthills Provincial Park. Ernie Giles stopped Debbie and I. “Look there’s a Redbelly.” Only about a foot long it is a beautiful little snake. Ernie turned the snake over and there was a brick-red belly separated from the sides by small black spots. I had thought that it was just another Garter snake as its back was a dark brown. Not so. Ernie pointed to three yellow spots on its neck like a necklace. It had a white throat. Most attractive. Turn your garter snake over, eh. You may have a non-venomous Red belly! Ernie, the consummate naturalist, said, “Smell this, Earl.” It was a mild musky odour that Red bellies exude when threatened. Be curious in nature.