Rat Snake | The Cove Forest

(Elaphe obsoleta)

The rat snake is one of the most diurnal of snakes found in the cove forest. This snake is a very adept climber and is frequently found climbing trees and nesting in tree cavities high above ground level. Small mammals and birds and their eggs are the principal food items of this species. This species constricts its prey.

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SC LIFE / The Cove Forest / 09. Animals of the Forest / Reptiles

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Copperhead | The Cove Forest

(Agkistrodon contortrix) The copperhead is the primary poisonous snake in the cove forest. The pit located on each side of the head between the eye and the nasal opening is a heat sensor. The prey...

Rat Snake | The Cove Forest Eastern Box Turtle | The Cove Forest

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Eastern Box Turtle | The Cove Forest

(Terrapene carolina) This turtle is very common and is highly terrestrial. The males have red eyes and the bottom of the shell (plastron) is scoped out; while the females have brown/yellow eyes and a...

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Eastern Garter Snake | The Cove Forest

(Thamnophis sirtalis) This snake has a wide geographic range and is the only snake that extends its range into the northern reaches of Canada. Frogs and salamanders are the primary prey of the garter...

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Northern Water Snake | The Cove Forest

(Nerodia sipedon) This aquatic snake is usually found in slow moving bodies of water. This snake is often found basking on logs in the water or on rocks close to the body of water. Fish and amphibians...

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Ringneck Snake | The Cove Forest

(Diadophis punctatus) The ringneck is very secretive and highly nocturnal. They are found under logs and rocks in moist areas. Earthworms and small salamanders are their chief prey.