David Nichols
Wildlife Photographer
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shot of the month... April 2003

 

This large adult Fox Snake (elaphe vulpine) with s-loop posture and vibrating tail prepares to defend itself in typical 'rattlesnake' fashion. Often mistaken for the highly venomous Timber Rattlesnake, this animal is harmless representing one of over 50 species of the genus Elaphe commonly know as 'Ratsnakes'

These powerful constrictors are abundant in marshes and sand dunes boarding America's Great Lakes where they feed on rodents, birds and their eggs. The 'Fox Snakes' name is derived from the snake's ability to discharge a foul-smelling anal fluid when threatened and refers to the 'fox like' odor associated with the fluid discharge.

I photographed this individual at Point Peele National Park in Ontario, Southern Canada where this species is at its northern limit of distribution.

 

 

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