Mariton: Eyes Greater than Stomach?

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager

Garter Snake and American Toad

I was checking trails (and walking pretty quickly) when the slightest movement caught my attention.  My camera just happened to be handy and I was able to snap a few photos.  The snake didn’t like my shadow on the trail and quickly slithered away.  I have to wonder if I stumbled upon a hunting scene, or if these two individuals just happened to be in the same place at the same time.  (The snake seemed a little “put out” as it left.)  It is hard to imagine – that is one big mouthful.  If I had been just walking without a particular purpose, I would have been moving more slowly and been able to watch what transpired.