Late Spring Critters

VaHerp Board Member+ Posts : 1442

Common Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon)
Late Spring Critters Commomwatersnake

Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)
How can you tell it is an older specimen?
Late Spring Critters Eastern%20ratsnake

Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) - Northern Red-bellied Cooter facing away from the camera.
Late Spring Critters Snapper-relax

Evil Great Blue Heron eating tadpoles!
Late Spring Critters Greatblueheron

VaHerps Janitor Posts : 4872

Great photos! I'm guessing the Eastern Rat has lost it's pattern? Maybe the belly turning black too.

VaHerp Board Member Posts : 2909

Love the picture, but I hate that fish eating bird so bad.

Member Posts : 32

Wow these are some amazing pictures!

VaHerp Board Member+ Posts : 1442

Thanks for the compliments regarding my photos.

Focal wrote:: Great photos! I'm guessing the Eastern Rat has lost it's pattern? Maybe the belly turning black too.

That is correct. In many individuals, the black and white checkerboard patten on the venter fades posteriorly to a dark gray as the snake ages.

VaHerps Crew Posts : 210

Nice pic of the Black Rat Snake

VaHerp Board Member+ Posts : 599

Great shots jw.

VaHerp Board Member+ Posts : 1442

Thanks Nelson and Dale.