Serpentine Spring
Rava Snake Biologist
Frogs and turtles aren’t the only reptiles emerging at this time, snakes are also starting to stir and slither from their winter hibernacula. That’s Adopt-a-Pond’s cue to send out the snake surveyors! From May to October snake surveys are done in the Rouge Park with the goal of finding the beautiful Species at Risk Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum). This spring to fall long search is done to collect information on snake movement and distribution, as well as analyze the impact of road mortalities on the current population.
The name Milksnake is a misnomer; farmers once thought that Milksnakes would drain the milk from their cows, as they were always found hanging around barns and old stone foundations. However Milksnakes much prefer mice over dairy, and can keep farms and barns nice and rodent free! If you find a Milksnake in your house or basement, remember that they are harmless and their presence is very beneficial. If you do wish to snake proof your house or if you are interested in building a snake hibernacula on your property check out Adopt-A-Pond’s Snake Resources.
Species at Risk Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum)