Just Shed

Kali and I took a walk in my preserve on Wednesday evening after she got home from work.  As we walked along the trail that parallels the creek running through the preserve, I noticed a long snake skin on the ground.

The owner must have shed the skin very recently because it was still soft and supple.

I decided to bring it back to our Visitor Center to put it on display.  However, it drew a lot of attention from other folks walking the trail that evening  I was glad to be an ambassador for the natural world and for our organization.  Maybe I should walk around with it draped around my neck all the time--sorta' like the puppies guys are advised to use to attract the attention of women.

By the way, the owner more than likely was a Northern Water Snake (Neroida sipedon sipedon), which are very common in the preserve.  When I stretched it out to its full length, the skin measured 3' 11".