Reptiles at Risk

Eastern Ontario Outreach!

Posted by Jeff Hathaway on October 23, 2009 at 7:31 AM

So the team is currently taking on Eastern Ontario, specifically north of Kingston. This is a great area of reptile diversity, sporting Black Rat Snakes, Map Turtles, Stinkpot Turtles, Blanding's Turtles, Milk Snakes...the list can probably go on. This is the last week that Eric and I will be doing programs together, as his contract is up after today. It was a good fall run, but I definitely hope to be doing some more work around Ontario. This was a great week to end on, as we were thouroughly impressed by the students and teachers at many of the schools. Their knowledge of reptiles at risk was fantastic to see. As was the development of species at risk booklets that centered on their own areas!

This week also held some firsts, the best of which was spotting my first ever wild Black Rat Snake. It's pretty late in the season for snakes. Being ectotherms, they are often staying near their overwintering sites (hibernacula) at this point in case of a sudden chill. Our Black Rat was crossing the road near the cabin we've been put up in, as if it was a wonderful summer day. It definitely made my day wonderful though!

-M.