A Fishing Expedition

At the lower terminus of the Boardwalk in Explore the Wild I noticed a small snake (perhaps 18 inches at best) coiled in the smartweed that grows there. The snake’s head stuck out of the water, ready to pounce, its tongue flashing out to smell the air.

A small snake coiled and ready to pounce.
A small snake coiled and ready to pounce.

There were also many minnows splashing about the shallow water. Some of the fish were in large groups feeding, a feeding frenzy. Others were in small groups swimming in and out of the tangle of smartweed stems and leaves. It was these small, 1.5″ – 2″ fish that had the snake’s attention.

Soon another, slightly smaller snake came into the picture. Both snakes set up camp quite close to one another and waited.

A second, smaller snake joins the first snake.
A second, smaller snake joins the first snake.
Setting up camp inches from the first snake. Note the fish no more than 2 inches away from the snakes.
Setting up camp inches from the first snake. Note the fish, dangerously close to both snakes.
In an instant the first snake lunges at the fish.
In an instant the first snake lunges at the fish.
The first snake swims off with its prize.
The first snake swims off with its prize.
Again, the snakes camp out very close to one another.
Again, the snakes camp out very close to one another.
The smaller snake  move to a new location. There are at least five fish within reach of the snake.
Apparently too close for comfort, the smaller snake moves to a new location. There are at least five fish within reach of the snake.
Our little snake crashes the party.
The little snake crashes the party.
Swimming away with the spoils.
Swimming away with the spoils.
Positioning the fish for a head first swallow, and down it goes.
Positioning the fish for a head first swallow, and down it goes.

Just another day at the Museum.

The Players:

Northern Water Snake

Golden Shiner

Smartweed

 

1 response to A Fishing Expedition

  1. Amelia says:

    Greg, these are amazing! Can’t wait to feature them in some future case!!

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