Spring is a the time when young snakes, hatched or born last year, are seen moving about the unfamiliar landscape on their way to their summer haunts, wherever that may be. Sometimes, they need a little help in getting there.

I received a call on my radio from Animal Keeper Erin Brown about one such sidetracked snake. This young snake wiggled into the Black Bear House, the bear’s nighttime quarters. It was a Northern Water Snake.

Erin deftly captured the tiny snake. Water snakes, even little water snakes, bite when picked up. Water snakes are non-venomous, but the biting behavior is still something to consider when picking up one of these little dynamos. Erin persevered.

Good job, Erin!

The next day, a Museum Guest stopped Erin and gave her a tiny Yellow-bellied Slider that he had found walking along the pavement in Catch the Wind near the Sailboat Pond.

Again, with enthusiasm and dedication, Erin set forth to release the turtle into the waters of the Wetlands.

As the turtle made its way through the grass and leaf litter towards its new home in the Wetlands, I swear that I saw it glance back towards Erin and wink.