Back from the cottage...

Bartman · 08-01-03, 12:43 PM

I just got back from my cottage today and i had so much fun. I made a post before called "jacking herps" and i was asking people if it was illigal to take reptiles from the cottage and keep them. I decided to just explore and not take anything home causs i dont really need them. I have a question. I found a snake that was very small (probably a baby) and was all black and 2 stripes going down both sides of its body. The stripes were yellow. Does anyone know what kind of snake it would be?
it almost bit me and my dog! He was chasing the snake down and i was affraid that the snake could have been poisenous. is this possible in canada?

thanks

Big Mike · 08-01-03, 01:51 PM

Canada is a big place...you will have to be more specific.

Sounds like a garter snake to me, they are harmless. There are venomous snakes in canada like rattle snakes.

Linds · 08-01-03, 02:07 PM

I think I recall you saying you were in Ontario in a previous thread? I have to agree with Big Mike, sounds like a garter or ribbon snake. Perfectly harmless. I believe the only venomous snakes in Ontario are the (rare) Massassauga Rattlesnake and the Timber Rattlesnake.

Bartman · 08-01-03, 02:15 PM

yea sorry i forgot to say where i was...i was near muskoka lake.
so you still think it was a garter?

Zoe · 08-01-03, 02:23 PM

I think it was a ribbon snake.

Look for some pics and you'll find out

Oliverian · 08-01-03, 03:34 PM

Yea, sounds like a ribbon... with the stripes and everything. It probably wasn't poisonous. I don't think there are any wild venomous in Canada that fit that description. Glad you had fun! ~TR~

Dozer · 08-01-03, 03:38 PM

Did it rattle? Then IT's not venomous. I'm sure it was either a garter or ribbon.

SDSnakes · 08-01-03, 03:39 PM

Hey linds, just to let you know, timbers have been extrapated.
And there isn't much of a chance of finding Massasaugas.
Luckily, I've seen two. And have pics!

Bartman · 08-01-03, 04:10 PM

ye it was forsure a ribbon snake. I took zoe's advice and found exactly what it looked like on the web. Heres a link. thanks every1

its the first pick you see right when you open the link.

http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mnh/nature/snakes/ribbon.htm

reptile boi · 08-01-03, 04:20 PM

Linds,
There are prairie rattlers in canada too :P

Linds · 08-01-03, 05:37 PM

SDSnakes,
I did not know that about the Timbers, thanks

You've managed to see two Massassaugas? I've spoken with people that have been looking and haven't seen any in over a decade. Are you going to be posting those pics anytime soon?

reptile boi,
I wasn't aware that there were any prairie rattlers in Ontario? I'm unfamiliar with what can be found in the rest of Canada, which is why I only commented on Ontario species...

Removed_2815 · 08-01-03, 05:47 PM

There are no Prairie Rattlesnakes in Ontario (this is not part of their natural range). Timber Rattlesnakes have been extirpated by humans in Ontario. There are healthy populations of Massassauga Rattlesnakes in Ontario, they are not common but a dedicated herper can find at least one on a good day if they know where to look.
Cheers,
RMB

Yve · 08-01-03, 10:30 PM

there are 3 other Ontario snakes that may sound like a rattlesnake by vibrating their tail along the leaves on the ground.
the eastern fox, black rat and eastern milk. If you live in Ontario and camp, hike or live in rattlesnake populated areas its a good idea to get familiar with what an eastern massasauga rattlesnake looks like and how to deal with one when encountered. Contacting a provincial park can provide you with
this information or you can pm me and I'll send you some info. that I have collected from the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Recovery Team.

lordkovacs · 08-02-03, 10:38 AM

sounds like you had a good time, and played the safe route. congrats!