|
Post by Sam on Nov 16, 2017 4:31:59 GMT -5
November 15, cold and windy. I don't know why this little Garter Snake was out but it was. With the little fellow slowed down by the cold I took the opportunity to teach Gracie some snake basics. This is a very pretty little Garter snake. Neat, clean and docile (probably from the cold). Note the slender, streamlined appearance ... that's a fixin' to change. With Gracie's encroachment into the snake's 'space', the sensory tongue comes out and the snake starts to flatten its body to appear larger. Sensing a threat, the Garter Snake escalates it's own defenses. The open mouth signifies its willingness to defend itself. Flattening its body is not the only trick in the little snake's repertoire. Nature has also given it the ability to reshape the head to look like a pit viper (poisonous). Note that now the head is triangular and there are even false poison sacks forming at the rear of the head. Very prominent in person. The photos do not capture the full impact. This shot shows the fake poison glands a little more plainly. All this is also accompanied by highly animated writhing, striking and rearing the head and front of the body off the ground. Nature also gave Gracie some kind of inert sense of snakes. She was VERY alert, very fast to jump back and absolutely intent on the snakes every move. She avoided each strike easily and I think this may have been a great learning opportunity for my best trail buddy. Hopefully she'll remember when she encounters a copperhead or rattler.
|
|
|
Post by mic on Nov 16, 2017 4:51:17 GMT -5
That`s a super set and very informative Sam - Is that one poisonous? P.S. you said false poison sacs so I guess the answer is No.
|
|
|
Post by Sam on Nov 16, 2017 11:11:30 GMT -5
Non venomous mic, Just wanted to show that nature provides so many ways for creatures to try and protect themselves. The little snake transformed itself into a venomous look alike!
|
|
|
Post by les on Nov 17, 2017 2:15:35 GMT -5
Good set Sam
|
|
|
Post by Sam on Nov 17, 2017 5:52:27 GMT -5
Thank you Les.
|
|