I enjoyed a hike at BCR on the cool afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 4th. On the trail that parallels the Eau Claire River, arriving down the east ridge and following the flow westward, I came across a 2' snake just lying there on the trail. It was motionless except for a flitting tongue and curled tail tip, and it was emitting a hissing sound at about 30-second intervals. It posed for photos, showing off colorful bull/rattler type symmetrical designs and a flat head; it was very unusual looking. I touched it gently, first with a hiking pole, then gloved fingertips, but got no response. I stepped over it and resumed the hike up onto the west ridge and back to the trailhead.
Internet "research" zeroed in on heterodon platirhinos, an Eastern Hognose snake, also known as "hiss adder, blow viper, spreading adder, bastard rattlesnake..." It's native to North America, usually southern Georgia, and their diet favors amphibians, particularly toads. The hissing sound appeared to be coming from the middle of the body, not the mouth...(maybe off-gassing a digesting toad?)
I missed other photo ops that day; a large 4-foot plus crane was wading in the shallows and it startled a small duck-billed bird that flew over the creek backwaters. Thank you for the many hours of exercise, solitude, and photos throughout the various seasons.
BCR member Keith Luer, Eau Claire
(*From our naturalists: Yes! This is a Hognose snake. As far as we know their diet consists solely of toads. Also, our property is outside of the range of most crane species other than Sandhills. There was a pair of Sandhill Cranes that were attempting to nest near this area. While we do not doubt Mr. Luer's knowledge, Great Blue Herons are more likely to be seen this time of year. We thank Keith for taking the time to share his story and photos with us.)
(*From our naturalists: Yes! This is a Hognose snake. As far as we know their diet consists solely of toads. Also, our property is outside of the range of most crane species other than Sandhills. There was a pair of Sandhill Cranes that were attempting to nest near this area. While we do not doubt Mr. Luer's knowledge, Great Blue Herons are more likely to be seen this time of year. We thank Keith for taking the time to share his story and photos with us.)
