Now that temperatures outside are beginning to moderate in early autumn, there is more incentive to work in the landscape. There are plenty of tasks to engage in this time of year.
There are leaves and pine straw to rake, the collection of pinecones and branches which have fallen, the removal of dying weeds which have seeds, and much more.
Most of these chores have the worker in contact with or in close proximity to the ground. Even though it is fall, there are still some creatures active that most of humanity would rather keep at a safe distance.
Among these animals to avoid are snakes. Any member of this species often prompts a startled response and an instinctive reaction.
The following reactions usually come is a variety of forms which are fairly predictable. A quick retreat to perceived safety is the initial step, which is usually followed by an assessment of options for eliminating the threat.
The smooth earth snake is usually seen by homeowners and gardeners in or around mulch piles or flower beds. The problem, at least for the snake, comes when it is unintentionally unearthed and identified as a snake. The dark coloration and tiny size may cause confusion as to the identity of the species.
For the snake, who does not likely grasp the nature of this recurring scenario, sudden destruction commonly follows. Small snakes which are difficult to identify are especially vulnerable to this terminal application.
One such reptile is the rough earth snake (Virginia striatula). This native snake is rarely stumbled upon, but it is widely distributed across the southeastern United States.
There is a smooth earth snake (Virginia valeriae) too.
These small, secretive snakes are encountered in a variety of earth tones. Commonly brown, they may also be reddish-brown or gray and can easily be mistaken for a large earthworm.
Usually under ten inches, the head has a distinctly pointed snout useful for plowing through the soil. Sometimes a faint, light-colored ring around the neck is present.
These species are both found in a variety of forested habitats with plenty of ground cover or decaying logs. They can also be present in home landscapes under mulch and leaf litter where each spends its days in search of a meal.
Like all snakes, the rough and smooth earth snakes are carnivorous predators. They primarily hunt and consume earthworms, but they will eat ant larvae also.
Anyone unfamiliar with this reptile’s features may misidentify it as a baby cotton mouth water moccasin or a copperhead, not the venom-less snake that it is. Fortunately there is an easy way to differentiate the venomous species from the harmless.
Both moccasin and copperhead juveniles have tails which are distinctly yellow at the tip. This coloration allows them to use the tail as a lure to attract prey during their formative growth stage.
The earth snakes and the other harmless small snakes in north Florida do not have this characteristic marking.
Another little harmless snake is the ring-necked snake (Diadophis puncatatus). This native reptile is similar in size and behavior to the rough earth snake.
Given their lack of defensive capabilities against the larger animals which prey on them, these snakes will initially lay still when dug up.
Pets in home landscapes, especially cats, can be very destructive to small snakes. Birds and other wildlife will eat any tiny and tasty snakes, too.
Hopefully, the stealth techniques used by these beneficial species will continue to be successful most of the time. It stops unfortunate endings for these small, harmless snakes.
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