Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/132206
Sarasota News Leader May 24, 2013 Diane and Rick noted there is a lot more to RBS than just butterflies. Early into their exploration of one of the trails that wind through the preserve, Rick — observant hunter and fisherman that he is — spotted this lovely Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) entwined in the branches of a tree. A couple of hours later, his and Diane's group discovered it on the ground. I have provided a lovely close-up of this handsome snake making its way across their path. The snake was estimated to be almost 6 feet in length, which is about right for a mature, adult Rat Snake on May 4. By mid-August, when the Wulterkens' children and grandchildren are visiting here from Wisconsin, the family will be more likely to see an 18-foot Albino Burmese Python — something, unfor- Page 76 tunately, made quite possible around Florida because of the introduction of myriad invasive, destructive non-native species (usually the result of illegal pet dumping in our delicate ecosystem). As my readers are all anxiously wondering if this Rat Snake is venomous … It is not! According to the Division of Herpetology, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, the Eastern Rat Snake is "HARMLESS (Non-Venomous). It is primarily active at night and is both a terrestrial burrower and an extremely good climber. It is found under rocks and boards, and in trees under bark and within knot holes and palm fronds. As its common name implies, this snake feeds voraciously on rodents. Its diet also includes lizards, frogs, and birds and their eggs. Unfortunately, it will eat young chickens A rat snake is entwined around a tree branch. Photo courtesy of Rick Wulterkens