April 3, 2019

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

I am a non-venomous Red Rat Snake
Sometimes also called a Corn Snake
My back is dark and light orange,
And my tummy's for what I am named.

Note: I found this Corn snake, immediately after it had been hit and killed by a car. On the one hand, it was sad to see such a beautiful critter die. But on the other, it is rare to be able to get this good of a look at a snake. For example, I never knew why they are called "Corn" snakes, until I turned the snake over and saw his tummy that looks very much like Indian corn. 

Sources: Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Reptile Discovery Center - Corn Snake

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson