MV™

Sheena, Gus, and I were talking about snakes last night. Gus has wild stories of battling deadly snakes in Florida, and Sheena on the run in India. My favorite snake is the Smooth Green Snake (Liochlorophis vernalis). I caught one once by the creek, it was the best ever. These gentle little snakes are usually found in grassy places where their color makes them difficult to see. They feed on insects, caterpillars, and spiders. They rarely bite when handled, but will smear a captor's hand with a musky anal secretion. Smooth green snakes have been found throughout Michigan, but seem to have disappeared from much of the southern Lower Peninsula. Their insect diet may make them vulnerable to the effects of chemical pesticides. In the house, what's your favorite snake?