Snakes

Another Water Moccasin Embraced by Duckweed

By |2023-06-18T06:55:30-05:00June 21, 2023|Categories: Snakes|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

In this wildlife photography blog post, I share the captivating story of encountering a Water Moccasin covered in Duckweed for the second time.

North American Racer Or Rat Snake?

By |2022-12-24T03:53:50-06:00July 19, 2022|Categories: Snakes|Tags: , , |

I asked people on Facebook if this snake was a North American Racer or Rat Snake? The majority thought this was a North American Racer. What do you think?

North American Racer
North American Racer

Gear Used:

  • Camera: Canon EOS R5
  • Lens: RF100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Technical:

  • Location: Near The Ouachita National Forest (Arkansas)
  • Date and Time Taken: July 3, 2022 (10:23 A. M.)
  • Exposure Mode: Manual
  • Aperture: f8
  • Shutter speed: 1/1600
  • ISO: 640 (Auto)
  • White Balance: Auto
  • Metering Mode: Evaluative
  • Back-button Focus
  • Animal Eye Single Point Auto Focus
  • Exposure Compensation: 0.3
  • Focal Length: 500 mm

Ring-necked Snake

By |2023-02-05T04:53:53-06:00September 1, 2020|Categories: Snakes|Tags: , , , |

I photographed this Ring-necked Snake on the same day and location as the Red-bellied Snake I posted. This was on an Arkansas Country Road near my place in the Ouachita Mountains. The Red-bellied Snake and this Ring-necked Snake were my first time photographing these types of snakes.

Ring-necked Snake
Ring-necked Snake

The Ring-necked Snake is a small non-venomous species of snake that is native to North America. They are typically 12-18 inches in length and are characterized by their distinctive ring-like pattern around their neck. They feed on small insects and amphibians and are not considered to be dangerous to humans. Ring-necked Snakes are generally not aggressive and will often coil up and play dead when they feel threatened.

Habitat and Distribution

Ring-necked Snakes are found throughout North America, from southern Canada to Mexico. They prefer moist habitats, such as forests, fields, and wetlands, and are often found near streams, rivers, and lakes. They are also commonly found in suburban and urban areas where they hide under rocks, logs, and leaf litter.

Diet and Hunting Habits

Ring-necked Snakes are opportunistic feeders and eat a variety of prey, including earthworms, slugs, snails, and amphibians such as salamanders and frogs. They are able to swallow their prey whole and have a flexible jaw that allows them to consume larger prey items.

Behavior and Adaptation

Ring-necked Snakes are non-venomous and do not pose a threat to humans. They [Read More…]

Graceful Ratsnake Among the Rocks

By |2023-08-12T11:15:51-05:00August 14, 2020|Categories: Oklahoma, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Snakes|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Witness a captivating moment as Steve Creek, a Wildlife Photographer, shares his peaceful encounter with a Ratsnake at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.

Watersnake Swimming Toward Me

By |2023-02-05T15:08:41-06:00August 12, 2020|Categories: Snakes|Tags: , , |

I photographed this Watersnake swimming toward me in an area known as the Lower Scarborough which is at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. 

Watersnakes are a common sight for many people who enjoy spending time near or in the water. While they can be intimidating, they are usually not dangerous to humans. However, it’s always important to exercise caution and respect for wildlife when encountering these fascinating creatures.

Watersnake Swimming Toward Me
Watersnake Swimming Toward Me

I parked on the side of the tour road at the Lower Scarborough Slough. I had my camera and lens resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup.

Gear Used:

  • Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
  • Lens: EF500mm f/4L IS USM

Technical:

  • Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
  • Date and Time Taken: May 31, 2020 (07:37:13 A.M.)
  • Aperture Priority
  • Aperture: f5.6
  • Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec. (as determined by the camera)
  • ISO: 800
  • White Balance: Auto
  • Metering Mode: Evaluative
  • Exposure Compensation: 0 EV
  • Back-button Focus
  • Single Point Focus
  • Focal Length: 500 mm
  • Processed With Luminar 4

Related Posts:

  1. Two Watersnakes Eating Same Catfish
  2. Northern Diamond-backed Watersnake On Log

Photographing Snakes: Capturing Images Safely

By |2023-08-13T08:59:09-05:00August 5, 2020|Categories: Oklahoma, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Snakes, Tips and Techniques|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Tips and guidelines from a wildlife photographer for taking stunning photos of snakes safely without disturbing or threatening the animals.

Snake Inside A Duck Nest Box

By |2022-12-28T05:20:33-06:00April 11, 2020|Categories: Snakes|

I was driving the auto tour road at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge when I spotted this snake inside a duck nest box. It looks like a Ratsnake.

I’m sure the snake got inside the nest box from the tree that is behind the box. It looks like a storm pushed the tree over the box. This nesting box does have a snake guard at the bottom.

Ratsnake Inside Duck Nesting Box
Ratsnake Inside Duck Nesting Box

How I Got The Shot – Snake Inside A Duck Nest Box

This Wood Duck nesting box is located on the west end of the Sally Jones West Causeway (south side of the auto tour road). I pulled to the side of the road to get this photo.

I’m using a Fujifilm X-T3 camera with a Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens attached with a Fringer EF-FX Pro. I had this setup resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup.

Camera Settings

  • AV Mode
  • Back-button focus
  • Aperture f7.1
  • ISO 1600
  • Shutter speed – 1/750 sec.
  • Auto White Balance
  • Single Point, Continuous Auto Focus
  • Multi Metering
  • Focal Length – 400 mm

Here are a few more photos of a Ratsnake I have taken over the years: