April 2, 2019

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

I'm known as a Garter Snake
I have a dark body and three yellow stripes.
You cannot tell that I'm non-venomous
By looking in my eyes.

Note: Although Garter snakes are non-venomous, it is a myth that you can determine if a snake is venomous based on the shape of their pupils. For example, although venomous pit vipers can be usually be identified by the fact that their pupils are vertical slits, the Coral snake has round eyes but is also venomous. 

Sources:  Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia - Eastern Garter Snake
What shape are venomous snakes eyes?

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson