Snakes On A Porch

Just a brief blog today to share some photos of a few critters that have visited our yard and porch.

Eastern Blackneck Garter Snake (11-8-2021)

Eastern Blackneck Garter Snakes (3-26-2022)

Could these little guys be the offspring of the snake in the previous photo?

Same Snakes (3-28-2022)

Another Eastern Blackneck Garter Snake (June 2021)

Eastern Blackneck Garter snakes ((Thamnophis cyrtopsis ocellatus) are nonvenomous although they may nip and release some funky musk when threatened. They eat small frogs, toads, and tadpoles. We have a small pond in our back yard and that is probably why we get the privilege of their company. They are diurnal and their adult size ranges from 16 to 43 inches (the latter being a record size). They give birth to live babies, maybe as many as 9.

I know a lot of people find snakes frightening, but to me they are beautiful examples of Nature’s beauty.

*All photos by B. McCreary

*Information from A Field Guide to Texas Snakes by Alan Tennant (from Texas Monthly Field Guide Series)

Published by

bettymccreary7347

Born and raised in Central Texas. Spending time outside brings me joy and I love to share my observations. I also belong to two writing groups and enjoy researching my ancestors. I find people interesting, but Nature keeps me sane.

14 thoughts on “Snakes On A Porch”

  2. I always love it when I have opportunities to see nature up close. Thanks for sharing your neighbors with us.

    I used to be terrified of snakes, but I have come to appreciate them for their place and in the ecosystem and also to appreciate their beauty.

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  5. Terrific photos, especially that last one – snakeskin is fascinating in many ways and you’ve shown the texture and coloration beautifully. (At times I wish I could crawl out of my skin!)

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  6. These snakes are beautiful. I spotted two in one of the ponds at the Wildflower Center. They tried to hide in the overlapping foliage. I thought they were Ribbon snakes which may also be a garter snake. This is the one I have photographed as it was molting across the street in some dry leaves one fall. I must show you the picture, if I have not, of the large Rattlesnake on the sidewalk between the lily/frog pond and the entryway tank at the LBJ Wildflower Center. He/she was one we exercised a lot of caution with that day as children were approaching on the sidewalk. We all stopped, stood way back and then the snake uncoiled and crossed the 10-12 ft of rocky concrete walkway and disappeared into the dead grass and plants area where it may have had a hunt that evening. It was already late evening.

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    1. Thanks for your comments! Garter snakes and ribbon snakes can look similar, but the closer you look at their patterns you can see a difference. I too have seen rattlesnakes at the Wildflower Center. Thank goodness they are afraid of us and move on! Would love to see your photos.

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      1. It is not whichcraft. My mother is from seacoast and she told me. She smoke a cigarette when she is going to search a tea plants in a mountain. Last summer a snake came into a country house but I was baking a bread on a fire so she jumped out ☺️ and I killed her on a doorsteps

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