A Snake Enjoying the Sun

by Tim Burris, Mariton Preserve Manager

Earlier this week when Josh Saltmer (Bear Creek Preserve) and I were monitoring easements, Josh spotted black snakes in two different locations. I thought they might have been the more common Black Rat Snake.  When I got back to the office I checked my photos and the guides and then realized they were Northern Black Racers (Coluber constrictor constrictor).  Both of the snakes were probably  four to five feet long and sunning themselves when Josh spotted them.  Once discovered, they didn’t stay still for a clear photo.  The one quickly slithered up a tree when we tried to get its photo.  It was gone when we returned to the spot about 30 minutes later.