This female Giant Garter Snake is about to give birth, judging by the looks of her mid-section. It’s pretty rare to find Giant Garter Snakes this exposed, and even more rare to find one that has coloration this beautiful. She was found on the Conservancy’s Frazer North tract, doing what scientists call “thermoregulating.” That is, trying to warm up her early-morning cold blood by sunning herself. Note also that there are no scars from otters, ibis or other creatures that like to rough these guys up. There is no sign of nematode problems either. Truly, this is about as perfect a specimen as you will find.
It’s a beautiful thing
These three photos represent the setting the Conservancy attempts to achieve in much of its managed marsh complexes. The land was purchased, then it was modified by moving soil so as to mimic preferred habitat, then water courses of various types and functions were cut and shaped, and water control …