Archive for the 'reptiles' Category
Box Turtle

This box turtle picture was taken in our backyard.   According to Amphibians & Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia, adult female eastern box turtles brown or yellow eyes, whereas males often have red eyes.

Female Box Turtle

Juvenile Rat Snake

My wife and I spotted this rat snake (juvenile) on the Appalachian Trail.

Juvenile Rat Snake

Snake in the Yard

This snake emerged from a hole in our front yard.  If you have an aversion to snakes, keeping your grass cut short may help you avoid unwanted surprises.

Snake in the Front Yard

Ringneck Snakes

My wife found a few ringneck snakes underneath a rock in our backyard.  According to my amphibians and reptiles field guide, ringneck snakes discharge musk and thrash about when captured, but rarely bite.  We did not handle the snakes.

Ringneck snakes

Eastern Garter Snake

While jogging with my wife, I spotted this snake catching some rays on a gravel road.

Garter Snake on a Gravel Road

Ringneck Snake Image 2

This second image is a closeup showing the head and ring of the ringneck snake.

Ringneck Snake Head