A single authors journey to being published, contains helpful information in starting writing in any genre. Also I post info on pretty much anything that I find interesting.
This week has flown by for me. I have to keep reminding myself that today is indeed Friday and not Thursday. In writing we tend to ignore pace. That's right the pace of the book can make or break a book. If every detail is described, every accent marked, every single item of the scene is narrated then the pages are going to creep by for the reader. Have you ever read a book and thought, "I don't really care what color the freaking shoe laces are." Unless it pushes the story forward or helps define a moment or your character skip it.
It is true that details help in filling the page, but a heap of detail is over kill. A lot of detail can drag a scene till it's crawling along at a snail's pace. If it is a fast paced action scene make sure to include only the most needed details. If the scene is a slower one be sure to include some extra details.
Lets say the scene is one where a lady is doing her son's laundry. His washing machine is broke and she is doing a 35 year old man's laundry out of the kindness of her heart. As she is taking jeans out of the washer a severed finger falls out of a pocket. In this scene we could add detail to slow the scene down. Maybe have some of her thoughts about her opinion of her sons buying expensive designer jeans. Build the scene so that the discovery of the finger is not only a shock to the mother, but also to the reader. Towards the end of the scene we could speed things along by noting her increased heart rate, maybe she gets ill, and of course her thoughts on what to do with the finger.
I try to place myself in the situation. What would I do if I found a severed finger in my washer? As your Friends and family for what their reactions would be. It helps to see what the common reaction would be. From their reactions you can gage what the pace would be. Would time stand still for a moment? Would they race out of the laundry room? I would most likely take a photo of it. That's a once in a lifetime chance. I seriously doubt there will ever be another severed finger in my washer again.
Remember that your word selection can help in the pace to. The right word makes all the difference. Read what you have wrote aloud. If it sounds funny and you don't intend it to sound funny try rephrasing it. Keep doing that till it sounds right. A sentence that flows right is a beautiful thing.
This weekend is a Holiday weekend. Sunday is Father's Day! Tell the man in your life you love him and make sure to buy him a book. Have a great weekend, and don't forget the sunscreen!
I realize that in most books there is at least one married couple. This married couple either falls in one of two categories. The first one is the marriage going bad. They have some kind of issue, and either the wife or husband has been a victim of some kind. The marriage is heading for divorce city because he ate the last pint of Ben and Jerry's and didn't buy more. He is automatically put in the "selfish-pig" category. The reader connects the husband as a scum bag now.
The second version of the married couple is the older generic couple. They have been together forever, married for 55 years they have seen it all. They are usually thought of as the older sweet couple that don't mind helping out when needed.
Both of the versions of married people are almost in every book out there. I have been married for almost 8 years now, and I have been with my husband for almost 12 years. I feel that me and my husband don't fit into either of those verisons of marriage. There are other verisons of marriage other than those two.
I don't understand why it's either utter bliss and married ages or married just a few years and ready, no eager, to divorce. I have often questioned if the writers feelings toward marriage may have had some influence upon choosing which couple type to place in their book.
I know that now a majority of marriages end in divorce, but most of us married people like being married. The perks of being married is innumerable. I realise that single people have perks too, but really you have those perks alone. Who are you going to share that awesome home entertainment center with? Your cat? (lame!)
Before you add that married couple to your manuscript think about what kind of people they are individually. Not all of us fit into either slot of a married couple. Why not give them some flare and personality. Make them people too, just not page fillers for a hole in your story line.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Is everyone having a wonderful Monday? If you answered "No" well then join the club. I hate Mondays, I'm part Garfield. Yesterday HBO aired the first episode of True Blood season 2. If you missed it, go to HBO.com and check out the synopsis of the episode. It's better than nothing.
Okay now to the "Meat" of today's post. Details is what makes a books stand out for me when I'm reading. If the writer doesn't take the time to research the city, town or group of people the story is about the book looses it's credibility. Without credibility the reader will have issues connecting to the book and finishing it. I have stopped reading many books because I could not push myself read it. Really who wants to punish themselves by reading?
When writing ensure that you have at least googled the town or nation your setting your book in. That's all I ask. If your seriously wanting to make an impression do some serious research. Serious is actually visiting the place that you have set your story at. Call it a "Business trip". Once you have visited you can add depth and color to your narration that was missing previously.
If your broke, like many of us are now days, go to the library and check out a book about your topic in question. Ask some friends who have visited the place to share some of the vacation photos with you, and then you will hear a first person's point of view on your topic.
Research is your friend. It can make or break your book. A few extra days spent researching will not affect your books likely hood of getting published, and it will actually help you in that aspect.
I know that I am stoked for the second series of Trueblood on HBO to begin again. This Sunday at 9 PM on HBO the second series will start up again. The Trueblood show is based on the books by Charelene Harris. So far in her series there are 9 books total published, most of them have stayed on the New York Best Seller list for weeks at a time. Her books are out in trade paper back and also in hardback editions. If you have missed the first season don't fret.
The first season of the show sticks realitivly close to the book and it is also avaiable on DVD as of June 14 and the soundtrack was released in May. If you are a reader of the series and your craving for a point of view disscuission on Sookie, Eric and Bill try a podcast on itunes. There are several out there that cover everything from Eric's hotness to the Queen of Louisanna's strife.
I am planning on watching it while enjoying a bottle of Blackberry wine. If you can't wait till sunday check out the teaser HBO released. I know I'm more than ready. Please sign my guest book, I love to hear from you!
I know that I am sick of the Twilight books by Stephanie Meyers. Even though most adults are groaning aloud at the mention of more crap by Meyers being released her publisher Little, Brown is seeing dollar signs. To prove that they are seeking more money in the bank in addition to the New Moon movie to be released November 20th, they are also releasing a Breaking Dawn special edition DVD on August 4. The DVD will include a special Breaking Dawn Concert Series that will including a performance by Blue October’s Justin Furstenfeld and conversation between author Stephenie Meyer and Furstenfeld. The publisher is only releasing 1 million copies of this DVD. Only a million. The Dvd will be selling for the price of $24.99.
Also on August 4th LB Publishing is releasing the trade paperback version of Eclipse the third book in the series.
October is also a big month for releasing more Meyers products into the world. On October 13th keep an eye out for a tin of journals. That's right, what every person needs journals in a tin. These will be sold for $24.99 also.
LB will also release New Moon Collector’s Edition, slip cased with a ribbon bookmark and cloth cover, for $30; and New Moon: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion for $18.99, both on October 6.
That should keep all the teens happy for about 30 seconds.
My question to you the reader, Do you see yourself purchasing these products come the fall? What about the price, are you willing to pay $24.99 for journals in a stay-fresh tin?
I am back from vacation! I have had an amazing revelation over this past weekend;I suck at gambling. I didn't loose all of my money, I came back with $11. I also came back with a sore throat and my voice is almost not there, it's thinking of packing up it's bags and going on vacation too.
Where did I go on vacation? I visited my sister-in-law Jennifer for her birthday. It was a blast. I finally got to meet her boyfriend Steve who is so laid back and sweet. We clicked right off, I think what done it was right when I crawled out of bed he offered me a doughnut. (I needed something to absorb all the vodka that I had guzzled the night before.)
Now we get down to business. As a writer I am keeping my toes and fingers crossed that I will get published. I know that there are heaps of writers out there just like me that prays for every query to be "the one". I spend so much time concentrating on getting published that I haven't worked out what I'll do when I get published.
Most writers think that once you are published that's it, all of your work is done. Nope. You have book tours to go on. A book tour is where you the author goes out into the masses to "push" your book. Radio interviews, interviews on the TV and in the newspaper. Reaching out to booksellers to let you have a met and greet at their store. Being the special guest at workshops.
It's a heap of work mostly spent with people you don't know. The easiest way to get your book out there is to begin in your local town. Yep, home sweet home. Contact your local library and ask if they have any openings on their calender for you to visit the library and have a book reading. (that's where you read segments of your book, speak about your book and hopefully sell a few books) Coffee shops and bookstores also offer this so call them and ask.
Post Flyer's about your book on every posting board in town, and if it's a children's book call the local schools. You'll be surprised to find out that kids LOVE it when they have visitors at school. It also supports literacy, so it's a win win there. Contact the local am radio station for air time. You would be surprised at how many people listen to them still (my father-in-law is one of them).
So in closing today we as author's need to skip the shy reclusive stage and get out there and make ourselves known. Get your name out there and heard by consumers, your readers and soon be fans. Don't forget to donate a few of your published books to local libraries and schools. Budgets are tight and if you want your book to reach it's audience this is a simple quick way to do it.
This is the last post for venom week. I hope you enjoyed it! If you did or have a snake story post it as a comment. I would love to hear them! Have a great weekend!
I know that we have the Timber Rattler, and as if one isn't enough Tennessee is also home to the Western Pygmy Rattlesnake. Like we need a smaller version. If you can remember a few years back a guy had bought a plant for his garden at a walmart in Nashville, and when it put it in his car to take it home he was bitten by a Pygmy Rattlesnake that had somehow gotten into the soil of the potted plant! Creepy!! They can be in the most populated areas due to their small size, but they are VENOMOUS and can pack as much venom as a large rattlesnake.
The Western Pygmy Rattlesnake, often called the "Ground Rattler", is a heavy-bodied snake. The body of the snake is tan, grey, or even reddish. A red or rust colored stripe often runs along the spine. The snake is marked by dark brown or black blotches along its spine that appear to cover the red stripe. There is also one or two rows of dark brown or black blotches on its sides. There is a dark cheek-stripe on both sides of the head that starts at the eye and runs diagonally down and backwards to the jaw above the mouthline. The bottom of the cheek-stripe is often edged in white. The top of the head is often marked by two stripes that continue on to the neck. The end of the tail has a small rattle on it that is seldom louder than a buzzing insect, and is often not heard or even seen.
The Western Pygmy Rattlesnake is categorized as one of several primitive rattlesnakes in the genus Sistrurus. Unlike other rattlesnakes, these rattlesnakes have 9 enlarged scales on the top of their head.
The Western Pygmy Rattlesnake has elliptical pupils that look like cat's eyes and like all pit vipers, has a heat-sensing pit between the nostril and eye on each side of its head. The Western Pygmy Rattlesnake has a large, triangular head that is wider than the neck when viewed from above.
In the United States, the Western Pygmy Rattlesnake is found in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas
This snake is tiny compared to other rattlesnakes, this is one of the smallest species of rattlesnakes in North America. The pygmy rattlesnake has a thin tail and a tiny rattle. Length averages from 15 to 20 inches (38-51 cm).
This species lives under rocks on cedar glades and is so secretive that few people encounter it. The sound of the vibrating rattle is a faint buzz like the sound of a grasshopper. Food includes small lizards, snakes, frogs and mice. Although the bite of this species is not fatal, a bite victim should seek immediate medical attention. The pygmy rattlesnake should be respected and left alone.
This species of snake has a cute sounding name "cotton mouth", like this snake has a mouth full of fluffy white cotton balls. We all know how much that sucks though, think of dentist appointments. Yuck. The reasoning for this snake's name is that in the inside of it's mouth is white, like cotton. This snake has fangs, and it is VERY VENOMOUS!!
I have read all the Lonesome Dove books, and to be honest I almost didn't make it through the movie when the poor Irish boy gets bitten a hundred times by Cottonmouths when crossing the river. It still gives me creeps. So that leads me to their other common name Water Moccasin. Many people in the field of snakes do not like that name, they say it is inappropriate. But I guarantee that if I'm in a creek and I scream "Water Moccasin!" Everybody will know what I'm saying.
These snakes are dark in color heavy bodied and can swim and climb trees. They mostly live on frogs and fish, but will also eat mice, birds, lizards, and anything else they can fit into their mouth.
When swimming, the cottonmouth holds its head above water with most of its body barely touching the surface. Cottonmouths are nocturnal, most active at night. The young wiggle their tails so that the tip appears to be a small worm. When small frogs and lizards see the wriggling tail, they think it's something to eat and rush forward to eat it, only to be eaten by the baby cottonmouth. Cottonmouths eat other snakes, including their own kind. The only time more than one cottonmouth would be in the same place at the same time is: 1) mating season, 2) female giving birth, or 3) one cottonmouth is eating another.
Also called "water moccasin," cottonmouths CAN bite underwater, but their prey is fish. If they could not bite underwater, they would starve. Cottonmouths avoid contact with humans or any other possible predator. (All those stories about swarming cottonmouths attacking people are myths!) But like any animal, when threatened, cottonmouths will attack to protect themselves. In some places, especially around woodland ponds, you can find western cottonmouths every few yards. Sometimes, you can smell their musky odor in the air. Heat sensors on either side of the snake's face detect heat and help the cottonmouth to find food.
Western cottonmouths prefer lowland swamps, lakes, rivers, sloughs, irrigation ditches, rice fields and salt marshes, but are not confined to living in moist habitats.
Throughout the United States, less than 1% of all deaths by snakebite have been caused by cottonmouths. While the odds make it seem unlikely to die from a cottonmouth bite, nonetheless, their venom can still cause severe bleeding and considerable damage to tissue. DO NOT TOUCH and if bitten, seek immediate medical attention!
I think these snakes are fighting for a female. What do you think?
This video has music! It shows the Cotton Mouth displaying a common defense behavior. When startled they will coil up and display the inside of it's mouth.
The Timber Rattlesnake is also known as the banded or velvet-tailed rattler. This Species of snake can be found in EVERY county in Tennessee, but their population is not overly abundant, especially in populated areas.
There are two major color patterns for Timber Rattlers they are(1) yellow phase: black or dark brown cross- bands on a ground color of yellow, brown, or gray; the crossbands, which may be V-shaped, break up anteriorly to form a row of darker spots down the back, plus a row along each side of the body and (2) black phase: a heavy stripping of black or very dark brown which hides much of lighter pigment. Completely black specimens are not rare in uplands of the Northeast.
This species has a length of 11 to 96 inches with the average 72 inches.Males grow to larger sizes than females.
Behavior: In the fall, they congregate in considerable numbers near favored den sites *2079,1008* and often hibernate with copperheads and other snakes *882*. The sites are used year after year *1008* and the dens usually have a southern exposure *1100,2079,2075,883,882*. They do not defend a territory *1100*. This species is diurnal in the spring and fall, and nocturnal in hot summers *2079,1014,1023,946*. The preferred habitat is secondary growth timbered terrain where rodents abound *882*. They are also found in rock outcroppings *1100, 2079,2075,883,1013,1008*. In the Central Plains this species may occur in wooded or brushy areas *1013*. Klauber reports that in August there is a trek from dry ridges to valleys for water *1100*. In early November, they congregate in considerable numbers near den sites prior to going into hibernation *1023*. The sites are used year after year and are usually wooded bluffs or hillsides with rock outcroppings containing numerous deep crevices extending well below the frost line *858*. Unlike the communal den characteristic of the timber rattlesnake, canebrakes (subspecies atricaudatus) overwinter singly or in small numbers in the base of hollow trees or in stumps. This species is usually terrestrial but will ascend low shrubs to obtain prey. They are primarily tertiary level predators of small mammals but will consume other vertebrates. They are known to eat rats, mice, cottontail rabbits, six-lined racerunners, skinks and birds. They are not territorial
Individuals are occasionally killed by deer, sheep, dogs, hogs, and red-tailed hawks. Juveniles are known to be eaten by chickens and turkeys
Limiting factors: This species is found in dark soil regions of swamps, canefields, low pine woods, cane breaks, cedar breaks, bay heads, moist woodlands and flood plains, and open areas with little understory. Stumps and logs are preferred. They also inhabit creek bottoms, rocky ridges, overgrown Fields, under the floors of deserted cabins, thickly wooded areas bordering lakes and streams and brushy hollows full of fallen logs and rank weeds. It likes higher ridges that adjoin river. This species is more antagonistic than some forms and will coil and strike when escape would be more pausible.
I thought that in order to give each Venomous Snake justice I would do it separately. These Snakes are beautiful and DANGEROUS! Very DANGEROUS! So do not touch them, pick them up, step on them, or try to angry them. They WILL bite!! This information is strictly for educational purposes.
Copperhead snakes are pit vipers or crotalids (family Crotalidae); poisonous snakes that are named for the two heat sensing pits used to locate prey that are positioned between the eyes and the nostrils.
Copperhead Snake, Chunk Head, Death Adder, Highland Moccasin, Dry-land Moccasin, Narrow-Banded Copperhead, Northern Copperhead, Poplar Leaf, Red Oak, Texas Copperhead, Carolina Snake, Red Snake, Southeastern Copperhead, White Oak Snake, American Copperhead, Southern Copperhead, and Cantil Cobrizo.
Found in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
Also found in Mexico - in Chihuahua and Coahuulia.
Within its range it occupies a variety of different habitats. In most of its range favoring deciduous forest and mixed woodlands. They are often associated with rock outcroppings and ledges, but are also found in low-lying swampy regions. In the southern parts it can also be found in pine forests in. In the dry areas of West Texas and Mexico it is often found around watercourses.
It prefers to live in wooded areas, among rocks, or near streams or ponds because prey is more plentiful in such locations. Favorite hiding places include stone walls, sawdust, garden mulch or compost piles, and under decaying stumps, in wood piles, under abandoned building debris, and under large flat stones. This snake will be seen basking during the day when weather is cool but not cold. During the heat of summer, it will stay hidden during the day and become active at night.
In October the Copperhead retreats to its underground den to hibernate until late February or early March. Dens are most often in rocky hillsides with southern or eastern exposure to the sun. These "snake dens" will be returned to year after year and may contain a large number of snakes. In late summer through mid-October, between 1 and 14 young are born alive rather than hatched from eggs.
This common snake accounts for the largest number of snake bites in the US every year, thousands of documented cases of people injured every year, and many more pets that are bitten often many of these going unreported.
Copperheads are very common in many districts, Throughout the South Eastern states in particular; North Carolina holds the dubious title of the state with the most snakebite cases each year.
With such high numbers of Copperhead snakes in the places we live in, being the main reason for the great number of injuries.
Small copperhead snakes are notorious for getting "Everywhere" in the garden, in flower beds, in cars, coming up around porches and decks, many being so small they are an invitation to small children and pets to investigate.
Even the smallest baby copperhead is capable of inflicting a painful and dangerous bite
Copperheads are usually colorful and strikingly patterned snakes. The background color of the back and sides is tan to pinkish. There are darker, chestnut colored bands across the back and sides. Each hourglass shaped band is of varying width.
Newborn Copperheads are colored and patterned like adults, excepting the last inch of so of the tail which will be a bright, sulfur yellow color.
Virtually all adult still retain the copper color head, which gives it its name.
When adult they are moderately sized snakes, normally reaching 2–4 feet, with thick, heavy bodies.
The copperhead bite is not usually fatal in adults, but very painful and often lasting discomfort is the result.
Parents who have seen their children go through the pain and suffering a copperhead bite can cause; it is something nobody would wish to experience again.
Bite symptoms include intense pain, tingling, throbbing, swelling, and severe nausea. Damage can occur to muscle and bone tissue, especially when the bite occurs in the outer extremities such as the hands and feet, areas in which there is not a large muscle mass to absorb the venom.
About 5,000 to 8,000 snakebites are reported in the United States annually out of an estimated 55,000 that occur with a large proportion of these attributed to Copperhead snakes.
As Copperheads coloration and patterning is very effective for camouflage in dead leaves on the forest floor. Copperhead snakes rely upon camouflage and cover for safety. When danger is perceived, Copperheads will usually freeze in place and remain motionless for the threat to pass. This strategy works well in their natural habitat. Unless a person steps on them, grasps them, or otherwise comes very close to them, however, then bite will be readily used as a last defense. An agitated Copperhead will vibrate its tail rapidly. The abundance of Copperheads and their occurrences near human habitations is the reason bites from Copperheads are at the top of venomous snakebite statistics in the eastern US.
Copperhead snakes can mate in both fall and spring. They are capable of breeding every year, and give birth to live young from late summer to early fall. As few as 3 or as many as 18 young are produced, but the typical litter size is 10-12 young. The young are 8 to 10 inches long at birth and receive no parental care. Up to 60 percent of the females in a population may carry young in a year. Generally, females begin breeding at 3 years old. Several female Copperheads may gather in specific areas prior to giving birth.
Copperhead snakes are gregarious, over wintering in dens with rattlesnakes and black rat snakes. They sometimes produce a cucumber smell when they are touched or disturbed. The young are often confused with the much more aggressive and potentially deadly Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin). The size and coloration being very similar, certainly it is better to err on the side of safety, if you are not absolutely certain.
The Copperhead feeds on cicadas, caterpillars, mice, birds, frogs and lizards. Small prey animals are injected with venom through the snakes hollow fangs, to immobilize it then the prey is swallowed whole, the toxins in the venom start to break down the tissue of the prey from the inside; the snakes stomach possesses very powerful enzymes that quickly start to break down the tissue of the prey from the outside when it is swallowed allowing for a quick and complete digestion.
It is a myth to assume that a snake with a lump in it will not attack or will not eat again for some time; they have been caught many times with several prey animals in varying states of digestion through their system. If you have you have small birds, finches or the like, in an aviary you do not want an adult Copperhead in there with them you could loose many of them in one visit.
Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart. Get medical help. . Do not attempt to drive yourself. Most of all try and stay calm to keep from pumping the poison around your system. The main thing is to get to a hospital.
If you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a Copperhead snake, keep the animal calm - carry to the car if possible, and dive to the veterinarian's.
Do not apply ice or try to suck the poison out. Wrap a bandage firmly around the affected limb often more than one bite occurs.
Copperhead Snakes a beautiful but dangerous creature, be aware they are there where we live.
Do not try to kill them as this how most people get bitten.
Queen Snake Scarlet King Snake Northern Pine Snake Copper Bellied Water Snake Black Racer Black Racers is first up today. Black Racers are slender black snakes of adult size from 30 to 60 inches in length. They are called "racers" because they are active, fast moving snakes. Usually, these snakes quickly slither to the safety of thick grass or brush when encountered. If cornered or grasped, they will bite viciously in defense. In Tennessee there are two subspecies of racers: northern and southern. Outwardly these subspecies are essentially identical in appearance and behavior.
Adult Black Racers are satiny or shiny black above and gray or bluish-gray on the belly. They have a white on the chin and throat. Juvenile racers begin life strongly marked with blotches of dark gray, brown and red. By the time they are 20 inches in length they should have acquired the adult coloration.
Black Racers are diurnal (daylight) hunters. They eat rodents, birds, frogs, lizards and insects. They are constrictors.
Black Racers can be aggressive. I know first hand, when I was about 8 years old I was playing in the yard at my sitters house. We were playing hiding go seek and I hid in a line of shrubbery. My hiding place was already occupied by a Black Racer. It bit me on my leg and when I ran it chased me. It scared the living daylights of me, and ever since I have not been very comfortable with snakes. So that's my snake story. Anyway, thankfully for me they are non-venomous.
Copper and Yellow Bellied Water snakes-A large brown or black snake with an unmarked reddish or orange belly. The young have a blotched pattern which fades with maturity. These snakes are found in or near river-bottom swamps, woodland ponds, and wooded river banks. They feed on frogs, tadpoles, and fish. An adult can be anywhere from 3-5 feet long, and this species is ENDANGERED! They are non-venomous
Northern Pine Snake- This snake has a whole slew of names such as bull snake,Pilot Snake (I guess somebody tried to let it fly a plane at some point), White Gopher Snake, and tons more. Adults are large, growing to 48-100 inches (122-254 cm) in length, and are powerfully built. The color pattern consists of a light ground color overlaid with black, brown or reddish-brown blotches.
Prefers pine flat woods, sandy pine-oak woodlands, prairies, cultivated fields, open brush land, rocky desert and chaparral.
The Northern Scarlet Snake - It can grow from 14 to 20 inches in length. It is typically a gray or white base color with 17-24 red blotches bordered by black that go down the back. The black borders on the blotches often join on the lower sides of the snake forming a line down the length of the body. Their scales are smooth. They can sometimes be mistaken for the Scarlet King snake, or the Eastern Milk Snake in the areas where their ranges overlap.
The Northern Scarlet Snake is a secretive, burrowing species, preferring habitats of soft soils, often in open forested areas or developed agricultural land. They spend most of their time hidden, emerging to feed on small rodents and lizards, but they have a particular taste for reptile eggs, swallowing them whole or puncturing them and consuming the contents. Like all king snakes they will eat venomous snakes such as Copperheads and Rattlesnakes.
Queen Snake-The Queen snake is a water snake similar in appearance to a Garter snake. The Queen snake is olive to gray or dark brown in overall colouration, with peach or yellow stripes that run down its length at the first scale row. There are also prominent ventral stripes of a darker colour and as no other species has stripes running down the length of its belly, this is an important feature in identifying this snake.Queen snakes are not large, and they seldom grow more than 24 inches (60cm.) in length. The females are generally slightly larger than the male .
The habitat requirements for the Queen snake are very specific, and this snake is never found in areas that lack clean running streams and watersheds with stony and rocky bottoms. The water temperature must be a minimum of 50°F (28°C) during the snake's active months. This is in a large part due to the snake's dietary requirements. They subsist almost entirely on fresh water crayfish. It preys almost exclusively on newly-molted crayfish, which are not able to defend themselves effectively with their pincers. One study indicates that this type of snake may consume over 90% of its diet strictly on crayfish.[1] Other sources of food include frogs, tadpoles, newts, minnows, snails, and fairy shrimp. The Queen snake does not find its food by sight or heat detection, but by smell, using its tongue to carry the scent of its prey to receptors within its mouth. In this way it is able to home in on its prey, even under water.
It is a diurnal ( daylight)species but it can be found moving about and hunting at night as well. They are often found by turning over rocks within or near the brooks and streams they inhabit. They will also come out of the water to bask in the sun, often perching on branches or roots above or near the waters edge. Queen snakes are very alert to any potential danger and will drop into the water when disturbed. They are rather docile snakes, not too likely to bite and can be easily handled, however, in doing so one risks being polluted by malodorous feces and anal musk, similar to the behaviour of the Garter snake in this defense. Non- Venomous
Okay, I have been putting out on the blog this week all kinds of stuff about snakes and spiders. I know it has nothing to do with the world of publishing or writing, but it was fun huh? I know that I have seen more than enough photos of snakes to last me a while. This is the last blog for venom week, and I am going on vacation! That's right I'm going to gamble away my husband's salary in slot machine bliss in Indiana while I soak my beautiful self in an outdoor heated pool. Relaxation here I come! Since I am on vacation I will not be near a PC or a laptop I will not be blogging again until Wednesday. Enjoy your weekend!
First up today for snakes is the Eastern and Red Milk Snake also known as the Scarlet Kingsnake. Their is a myth about this snake suckling milk from cows udders. That is how it got it's common name milk snake. This snake cannot "suckle" anything, for one it lacks lips and the abilitly to suck. They are often found in cool barns which lends to the myth. They are usually found in barns, forested regions and on open fields.
In the Milk Snake species there are 25 subspecies. Meaning that they are all milk snakes, they just look a bit different from each other in coloring and patterns. Milk Snakes are often kept as pets due to their viberant coloring.
They can grow up to 25-30 inches long, and they live on mice, lizards, birds and other small prey items. They live on land, meaning they rarely climb trees, but have been known to live under the bark of a dead standing tree. The main difference between a red Milk Snake and an Eastern Milk Snake is the patterns. An Eastern Milk Snake has more markings than a Red Milk Snake. The Red Milk Snake is also known as a "Candy Cane Snake" due to it's coloring. They are non venomous, but when scared will coil up and strike.
All species of Milk Snake lay eggs in clutches of ten. A special fact about Milk Snakes is that they eat other snakes, dangerous venomous snakes like Copperheads, Cotton Mouths and Rattlesnakes. They have some immunity to their venom. So if you find a Milk Snake be kind!
Milk Snakes are nocturnal, meaing that they hunt at night when they are more active. In Most cases people rarely see Milk Snakes unless they are activly seeking them.
Also Milk Snakes are famous for their Batesian mimicry which is a form of mimicry typified by a situation where a harmless species has evolved to imitate the warning signals of a harmful species directed at a common predator. In appearance they look like Coral Snakes! A simple children's ryhm will help out in telling if it's a venomous snake or your friendly neighbor Milk Snake.
"Black and red, you're not dead; Red and yellow, one dead fellow."
They can be very colorful in appearence red and black, and some are soild black in appearence, and few have been soild white.
Eastern ribbon Snake- The Eastern Ribbon Snake gets its name from its very thin body. At maturity it can be anywhere from 18 to 86 cm in length.It is a slender black snake with a yellow midback stripe and one on each side. A brown stripe that is 1-2 rows of scales extends onto the sides of the belly. The rest of the belly is a greenish white color. They also have two rows of black spots between the back and side stripes. It also has a long tail that is about a third of the length of its body.The labial scales around the mouth of the snake are unmarked and uniformly bright yellow or white. A white or light yellow bar borders the front of their eyes. Juveniles are colored like adults.
Here are some aspects of the Eastern Ribbon Snake that make it different from a close relative, the Garter Snake. The Eastern Ribbon Snake has a much thinner body than a Garter Snake. It also has a tail that makes up about one third of its body length. This snake has stripes on the third and fourth scale rows. The Eastern Ribbon Snake has pure white lips and a mark of White color in front of its eyes. These characteristics make it easy to tell the difference between the snakes but it may help to have one of each on hand to look at. Eastern Ribbon Snake has a dot in front of its eye, whereas the Garter Snake does not.
You can usually find them in wetlands and near the edges of ponds and streams.They are comfortable both in and out of water, they are adapted to both environments. When they are frightened they take to the water or bushes.They do not dive like water snakes, they glide across the surface of the water.
The Ribbon Snake generally eat small fish, tadpoles, salamanders, small frogs and toads, and occasionally insects. In some cases the female has been observed eating her young. The typical time for snakes to hunt is in the morning or early evening. Once the snake has spotted its prey, it will quickly slither to catch its prey and swallow it whole.
Reproduction in Eastern Ribbon Snakes takes place after they emerge from hibernation in the spring time, in April or May. Mating occasionally takes place in the fall, but the female will delay fertilization and development until the next spring. The average gestation period is three months. They average number of young is around 12 but can range anywhere from 4-27. Females give birth in late summer or maybe even the early fall. After birth there is no parental care involved, the young are left to fend for themselves. Most young reach sexual maturity after two years, but most usually wait until the third year.
Ribbon Snakes rarely bite when handled but they do produce a foul musk from their anal glands when they feel threatened.
Eastern & MidWestern Worm Snake-Worm snakes are small (35 cm) snakes. They are usually a dark brown in color, with a lighter colored, pink or orange underside. They are easily mistaken for other similar species, such as the earth snakes, Virginia sp. and brown snakes, Storeria sp. They have a narrow head, and small eyes, and a sharp tail tip
They typically live underground where they can burrow.They can also be found in loose leaf litter. They eat soft bodied insects like mill worms and earthworms and they are a favorite prey item for Coral Snakes.
Mississippi Green Water Snake- Okay this one is on the ENDANGERED list. So it's extra special. It's a water snake so it lives in water, mostly slow moving water, and is rarely seen out of the water. It can grow to be 6 feet long and lives on frogs, fish and other small animals. It can be found in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. It lays 2-5 eggs in the spring months. It's coloring can be black, olive green,green or brownish. It often has a "Salt & pepper" look becuase of it's pattern. It is non-venomous.
Midland & Northern Brown Snake- They are typically 9-13 inches long and these are two different species but they inter-breed and look and behave pretty much the same. They eat slugs, earthworms, and snails. They are calm snakes and rarely bite. When scared they will release a musk scent. They can be found under logs, rocks, and other debris where their food source is at. They typically birth 3-31 young, meaning their young does not hatch from eggs outside of the mother's body. They are non-venomous
Midland & Common WaterSnake- The Midland Snake is a heavy bodied aquatic snake which can be commonly confused with the venomous Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin. This snake has a highly variable color pattern. Most have a light brown to grey background color and have dark brown to black blotches/bands on their backs. Also on the side of the snake there are square blotches. The average length for this snake is 2-4ft long, and the record is just over 5ft long. The juveniles are usually lighter than the adults but will darken with age.
The Midland Water Snake can be found in any aquatic habitat in their range which includes swamps, on the edges on ponds which they are found basking on tree over hanging, lakes, marshes, on edges of rivers and streams, even on a few barrier islands. It eats mostly frogs, fish and salamanders.
The Midland Water Snake is one of the most common aquatic snakes found in the Southeast. They can be found at any aquatic habitat which has a good population of fish and amphibians. The Midland Water Snake is for the most part nocturnal (comes out during the night) but they can be found during the day sunning themselves in braches overhanging bodies of water and also on rocks. They can be easily confused with the Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus) because of several reasons. First off they are both heavy body snakes that live in the same habitats. Also when disturbed the water snake will make its head as triangular as possible, open its mouth, and strike repeatedly. Most of the time though they will try to get in the closest body of water and disappear under rocks and mud. If in a tree branch the water snake will dive immediately into the water and swim away. Non Venomous
Northern Ring Necked Snake- Ringneck snakes are easily recognizable by their small size, uniform dark color on the back, bright yellow-orange belly and distinct yellow ring around the neck. The back can be dark brown, gray or blue-black. The belly is yellow, changing to orange near the tail. The belly also has small, black spots which are irregular in size and pattern. Length ranges from 10 to 14 inches (25-36 cm). Ringnecks live on rocky, wooded hillsides. Ringneck snakes are secretive and not only take shelter under rocks but also find prey there—worms, slugs, soft bodied insects and small salamanders.
Mole & Prairie Kingsnake- is generally a light brown or black in color, with dark grey, dark brown, or reddish-brown blotching down the length of its body. They are capable of growing to lengths of 30-40 inches (76.2-101.6 cm). They are easily mistaken for various species of rat snake of the genus Pantherophis, which share habitat, and can have similar markings. Some specimens have their markings faded, to appear almost a solid brown color. Juveniles usually have a brown stripe down the back of the body. They have two black spots behind the head and smaller black spots down the back on both sides of the stripe. Non Venomous
Prairie kingsnakes preferred habitat is open grassland with loose, dry soil, typically on the edge of a forested region, not far from a permanent source of water. Their diet consists primarily of rodents, but they will also consume lizards, frogs and occasionally other snakes. They are non-venomous, and typically docile. If harassed they will shake their tail, which if in dry leaf litter can sound remarkably like a rattlesnake. They are not typically prone to biting, and if handled will often excrete a foul smelling musk. When threatened, they flatten and appear to have white spots. Non Venomous
Northern Diamond Back Watersnake- I know you hear Diamond Back and think rattlesnake, but not this time. It's a watersnake. Meaning it lives in the water and eats fish, frogs, salmanders, and such.
Diamondback water snakes are predominantly brown, dark brown, or dark olive green in color, with a black net-like pattern along their back, with each spot being vaguely diamond shaped. Dark vertical bars and lighter coloring are often present down the sides of the snake. The underside is generally a yellow or lighter brown color often with black blotching. Their scales are heavily keeled, giving the snake a rough texture. They can grow to a length of 5 feet (1.5 m) and in southern states have reached 8 feet (2.5 m) or more in length. Neonates are often lighter in color, making their pattern more pronounced, and they darken with age.
The diamondback water snake is one of the most common species of snake within its range. It is found predominantly near slow moving bodies of water, streams, rivers, ponds, or swamps. Its primary diet is fish and amphibians, specifically slow fish, crayfish, amphiumas (eel-like salamanders), frogs and toads.[citation needed] When foraging for food they will hang on branches suspended over the water, dipping their head under, until they encounter a fish or other prey. They are frequently found basking on these branches over water, and when approached, they will quickly drop into the water and swim away. If cornered, they will often hiss, and flatten their head or body to appear larger. They only typically resort to biting if physically harassed or handled. Its bite is known to be quite painful due to its sharp teeth meant to keep hold of slippery fish. Unfortunately, this defensive behavior is frequently misinterpreted as aggression and often leads to them being mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth, with whom they do share habitat in some places. The brown/tan coloration and diamond shaped pattern also causes these snakes to be mistaken for rattlesnakes, especially when encountered on land by individuals unfamiliar with snakes. Non-Venomous
This video is interesting because it shows how a large breeder handles eggs. Check it out!
Male on left and female Black Widow on right Black widow with two eggsacs Female Black Widow on a leaf
The the United States there are 5 species of Black Widow Spiders, in Tennessee we have two species. Those are the Southern/Common Black Widow and the Northern Black Widow. They belong to the Comb-foot or Combweb family of spiders. The most commonly seen and found species of Black Widow in Tennessee is the Southern Black Widow. The Northern Black Widow is a rare find due to the fact that they prefer to live in tree limbs high up away from humans.
females of both species of spider can reach up to 1 1/2 inches with their legs extended, and typically the Northern Black Widow is larger than the Southern, but both can have an abdomen over a 1/2 inch in diameter if their food supply is plentiful. The males are typically smaller in size that the female and this goes for both species.
Both species of spider have 8 eyes that are arranged in two rows of four eyes, and even though they have 8 eyes their vision is poor. Their bodies appear to be hairless and glossy to the naked eye, but they are actually covered in dense fine hairs that they use to "see" on their web. Their colors can vary from a deep black, brown and even a reddish brown and their legs can appear to be striped with red and black, or reddish brown and black.
On their belly, underside, they have a red or orange hourglass. Most will have a red dot on their bottom above their spinnerets. It can be clearly seen against their dark bodies, and it is their distinguishing mark. This vibrant mark tells birds, lizards, and other predators that they are venomous. Meaning, "Hey I pack a punch back off!" They do have natural predators in birds and lizards. In juveniles this distinguishing mark can be white or another color or missing completely.
Males of both species are considered harmless to vertebrates because of the shortness of their fangs. They do carry venom but cannot really get a good bite because their fangs are short. There have not been a case of a human being bit my a male Black Widow reported ever. The males are about half the size of the females and can have red or yellow spots or bands on their back and sides. These spots can be circles or diamonds in the red color or in yellow, and they may be in a row.
In nature the spiders prefer to live under bark, logs, in rocky places, under shrubs and in trees, places that are typically dry and safe. Places that are not disturbed often. Us humans have provided plenty of safe places for the widows to thrive. They can be found in out buildings, sheds, abandoned homes and barns, boxes, attics, crawl spaces, rubbish piles, root cellars, seldom worn shoes, pretty much anywhere that is dark and quiet.
Their webs are non-symmetrical, irregular mesh webs.They are usually built in corners, ceiling edging and other places with nooks and crannies. Often in the top of the web they will have a retreat for them to hide in and it is often funnel like in shape.The Northern Black Widow's retreat is often on the end of tree branches and is dome like in shape, the rest of her web will spread out from her dome retreat covering the rest of the branch.
Black Widows stay in their retreat unless their web is disturbed. When their web is disturbed they will race out to the section of web that the prey is on with surprising quickness. They are highly aware of their surroundings even though they have poor eyesight. Usually if something larger like a bird or a human disturbs their web they will not attack, but retreat into their hiding place, or escape the web.
Black Widows a formidable hunters. They will kill anything from the size of a housefly up to a scorpion which is many times larger than they are. They will not eat prey that has not been treated with several bites of venom. Their venom breaks down the prey's insides till it's juice that they can suck out. They wrap their prey in silk to subdue it and when they are finished with their meal they leave an empty husk in the silk. They will bite their prey several times before they will consume it.
In mating is where the Black Widow gets her/his name. It is thought that after the mating is done the female will eat the smaller male. In a study done with 18 males only two of the males were actually eaten by the females. So they have a pretty good chance of surviving the mating. These two males that were eaten were actually on their "second date" with the female, after they had mated a second time they were consumed. This goes to show that it is always smart to feed your date before you get down to business. Males can actually mate with several females in a season.
How the males gets such a deadly female to mate is simple, he "blinds" her by cutting her web in places and he vibrates his abdomen to put her in a trance. He vibrates for about an hour before he even attempts to mate her. If he fails the first time he cuts more of her web and starts all over. (a vibrating male is every woman's dream, too bad a spider gets that wish filled.)To ensure his safety he uses his webbing to form escape webs. He can use the to get out quickly if she rejects him. As every male he has a back up plan. Before he mounts her he will weave a silk web around the female. This web is called a "Bridal Veil", romantic huh? This veil will subdue her for a few seconds should things go wrong. Once he has inserted his pedipalps into the female to inseminate her this is the most dangerous time for him. If the female attacks while mid insemination he will need a few extra seconds to withdrawal himself. Hence the Bridal Veil, it should give him the extra time he needs to escape before he his turned into lunch.
The Black Widow spider can produce 5 to 10 eggsacs, and each eggsac can have anywhere from 150 to 250 eggs inside. The baby spiders or spiderlings will hatch in the eggsac and molt before they emerge about 4 weeks later. Newly freed spiderlings are cannibalistic, and do not stay together. They balloon off (like in the end of Charlotte's Web where the spider babies leave Wilbur).The spiderlings are harmless to humans at this age due to their size, and they can easily slip through a window screen (they are tiny!)
Now the part we all dread, the bite. Usually the actual bite is painless. The pain will arrive 8 hours later with no skin lesions, that is of course after it has be circulated through your system. That means that you may not even be able to see the sight of the bite. Pets are extra sensitive to their venom a will have a bite area with a white/blanched section with red surrounding it, this is often called a "red zone". 90% of all cats that are bitten die.
In humans the symptoms of a bite from a Black Widow is pain in the legs, sides, thighs and chest and this pain is often mistaken as renal stones,acute appendicitis,m or acute myocardial infarction. Other symptoms are sweating,diphoresis, nausea, and vomiting. The actual degree of the symptoms range due to victim age, sensitivity to venom and how much venom was injected.
In a study from 1960-1969 only four deaths were caused by Black Widow bites. The number of bites has actually dropped due to the widespread used of indoor plumbing. Who knew that an outhouse an ideal spot of spiders?? Anyway, to prevent getting bitten use a vacuum to suck up their eggsac's and the spiders and dump them far away from your house, like in the woods somewhere. The State of Tennessee recommends use of sticky boards near windows, doors, and any entry point into a structure, and of course wearing protective clothing when cleaning in un-used area's like behind shutters. Protective clothing is a hat, long sleeved shirt, pants, boots and gloves. Use tape to seal your cuffs of your pants and shirt to ensure that no spiders can get in your clothing.
If in doubt call a professional. Hey it may cost a few bucks, but it may save you some pain in the end. And remember NEVER to handle a spider bare handed unless it's a daddy long legs, those are okay. And please use this info to educate your kids on spiders and snakes. I tell mine to never touch a spider or snake, but to get mommy or daddy. That's what were for, killing of scary things.
Okay, I feel that I need this post to clear the air for those that do not live in the country or have common sense. Snakes do bite. All species have a mouth that can open up and they will strike out if scared or frieghtened. They live in abandoned places such as empty barns, tobacco smoke houses, gardens that have a high amount of prey in them, close to water such a rivers, lakes, ponds, creeks, pools of water that has a food source like frogs or lizards nearby. They like rocky outcrops, trees, grassy places, and places with fallen trees.
Most snakes can move fast. And I am talking fast. A rattlesnake can strike quicker than you can blink. Yeah fast. Some snakes chase their prey and will not be scared to chase you the 100 foot tall human. They are brave. All snakes can taste the particles in the air with their tounge, and yes they all have a forked tounge and most lizards do also. They can feel the viberations in the ground, so most of the time they know that you are coming. Almost all have the ability to viberate their tails, puff up and of course flatten out, and coil up. They usually coil up before the strike. Most snakes can have a strike distance of 2 to 3 feet depending on the size of the snake, to be extra careful stay back at least 5 feet. They can do amazing things.
Snakes do not have ears. On the Jeff Corwim Experiance several years ago he had a rattlesnake on a dirt road. He had two cell phones. One was set to ring and one set on vibrate. It struck the one on viberate and ignored the ringing one. So when your out in and about in a wooded or rocky area rattle the trees and stomp around as loud as you can. Being quiet can prove to be deadly, and of course watch where you are stepping. And if it looks "snakey" wear snake boots and other snake appropriate clothing.
Almost all of them eat the same food. Lizards, frogs, eggs, small mammals, insects. If you live near a lake, river, pond or have a pond in your backyard you probly have a snake living nearby. The best thing to do is to be vigilant, especially if you have kids. I put out moth balls around my yard and it seems to work. I'm guessing it makes the air smell funky, it works for deer in my garden. That's a suggestion it's not gareenteed to work.
I absoultly do not condone picking up wild snakes or snakes that are not yours. Even the best biologist can make a mistake. I would not want to pick up a Cotton Mouth thinking it was a Banded Water Snake. OUCH!!! (I usually run in the opposite direction quickly.)
There is one type of lizard that is often mistaken for a snake. The Glass lizard. It is a leggless lizard. It will abandon it's tail in order to retreat. The fact that it has eyelids is a dead give away, other than the tail falling off.
If you have any doubt about a snake leave it alone!! That goes for any wildlife pretty much. Common sense. I hope you enjoy Venom week as much as I do, and tell your friends. If you like my blog tell me!! If you don't tell me!
Black and Speckled Kingsnake Grey Rat Snake Broad Banded Water Snake Corn Snake Eastern CoachWhip Snake Common Garter Snake Eastern Hog Nose Snake
In Tennessee there are 32 types of snakes, but only four are venomous. Since this is such a large category I will be splitting up snakes into three days worth of blogs. First up let me state that it against Tennessee's wildlife regulations to capture a wild creature and keep it as a pet without first getting a permit. So if you found it and want to keep it contact your local wildlife office, their number should be in the phone book. It is also against regulations to release a pet into the wild because the animal will not survive (no hunting skills). I just want everyone to know that I DO NOT want anyone to go out into the wild and handle wild snakes, this inforamtion is purly education. With that said lets get to the creepy crawlies.
First up is a list of 6 non-poisonous snakes and 1 maybe posious snake.
Black & speckled King Snake- An adult can measure anywhere from 36-48 inches long. They are black with yellow flecks of color on their scales. Harmless(no venom). Eats mainly rodents, other snakes including venomous snakes. When scared can strike out and will produce a very smelly musk. They live in swampy areas, woods, fields, urban areas.
Grey Rat Snake (also known as a Chicken Snake)- adult rat snakes are typically 3-5 feet in length and if they are in a area that has plenty of prey they can get over 6 feet long. They are colored a dark grey with black bands, and the juvenile snakes are a slate grey with black markings. They eat bird eggs, frogs, birds, squirrels, mice and rats. They can be found in barns, abandoned buildings, wooded areas near ponds. They can vibrate their tail to mimic a rattlesnake and will release a musky scent when scared. They can bite but are harmless. They are constrictors so they can climb trees, brick walls (we had one on the side of house a few years back), and they of course constrict their prey. They are the most common large snake to be found in suburban areas.
Broad-Banded Water snake- These live near water because their main food source is frogs. They are harmless and are often confused with cotton mouths. The clear difference between the two snakes is the "Bandit-mask" a cotton mouth snake has around it's eyes. This snake will coil up, flatten it's self and vibrate it's tail and it also produces a musk that smells like a skunk's spray. They can be 22-36 in length. They can be found near ponds, creeks, flooded drainage ditches, lakes. They are seldom found far from a water source. They appear to be black with yellow or brown bands from a distance. They are bad tempered and aggressive when disturbed.
Red Corn snake- The red corn snake, or corn snake, or red rat snake can grow up to 3-6 feet in length and are harmless. They are commonly kept as pets due to their color and their calm attitudes. They mostly eat birds, bats, rats, mice, frogs and eggs. The are constrictors. They are named "corn snake" because of the maize like pattern on their bellies and that they are often found in corn fields. In the wild they can live up to 20 years and as a pet in captivity up to 23 years. They hibernate in colder months like all cold blooded animals unless kept indoors, and will lie in the sun to warm up. They can found in fields, wooded areas, abandoned homes and barns. They prefer places that are not disturbed.
Eastern Coach whip Snake- This snake is one of the fastest moving snakes in the U.S., they are one of the longest also and adult can be anywhere from 50 inches to 70 and the longest on record was 72 inches. Wow huh? They are non-constrictive and non-venomous, but they do bite repeatedly often at an attackers face (OUCH!) and will vibrate their tail in a warning.They have a very strong bite and powerful jaws. They will eat other snakes including venomous ones, grasshoppers, insects, frogs, birds. They will eat pretty much anything they can subdue. They will bite their prey and eat it alive, sometimes they will smash it against a hard surface to knock their prey out before consuming. They can me multi colored starting out black at the head with gradual color change down it's body to a white or cream color. They are named due to the slimness of their tail and it's likeness to a braided whip. They can be found in open fields, wooded areas, rocky hillsides, cedar glades, pretty much anywhere there is food and shelter. They are active during the day.
Common Garter Snake-This snake is black with yellow stripes on it's body. These stripes look like Garters, hence it's name. It is non venomous to humans but it's Silvia maybe toxic to frogs and fish and earthworms. They can release a musk when handled or scared. They can be anywhere from 3-5 feet as an adult. The common Garter snake hunts both during day time and night time, which is rare in snakes. They hibernate as other snakes do. They often can be found in common dens with other snakes. When they mate they can be seen in "mating balls" where one female is covered by 10 or more males. There are more males than females in this species. Their young are born with out an umbilical cord of any kind and the female can have up to 20 babies at a time. They can be found anywhere prey and shelter is abundant. These snakes are often kept as pets as well. They can be easily found in East Nashville where they have the most metro sightings.
Eastern Hog-nose snake- This snake has an upturned nose like a pig that it uses to root around for worms and toads. This snake does have rear facing fangs and it does have some toxins it releases via these fangs. There is a debate if the venom it releases is dangerous to humans, so it is better to be safe than sorry and just not handle this snake. It can be tri-colored from brown to a yellow with black patterns on it's back to solid black in color. It is known to play dead. If scared it will play dead and if moved while playing dead it will remain limp, it also will go as far to hang it's tongue out of it's mouth and release fecal matter. It watches it's attacker and will come back to life if not watched. It eats typical snake fodder such as eggs, lizards, toads, frogs and mice.
This is a video of a very upset and angry Hog Nose snake, you can tell what it is in the photos in the end of the video by the upturned snout.
This video is of a Hog Nose Snake playing dead, the guy filming it mentions the musk and the fecal matter the snake releases as it plays dead.
