Snake and Turtle

While out for a walk this morning I came upon a 4-foot Black Rat Snake stretched out on the trail. It was very rippled, as if flexing muscles, but did not move when I got close for the first picture. Was it dead? Asleep?

I nudged its tail, and it quickly coiled into defensive position. Not dead. Should have left it alone! I’ve never seen a snake do that rippled look before.

Later, searching online, I found this explanation: one unusual characteristic of the Black Rat Snake is that when it senses danger, it freezes and takes on a rippled posture. The first photo clearly shows that posture, it must have thought I was some sort of threat to it. Like most big and scary animals, they’re usually more afraid of you than you are of it!

I also saw my first Eastern Box Turtle of the year. One creature that has no fear of snakes. If threatened, it closes up, of course.