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.

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.

Just another day at the Museum.

The Players:

Northern Water Snake

Golden Shiner

Smartweed