The Georgia Department of Natural Resources on Monday asked social media followers if they could identify a ‘slithering critter’ photographed recently in a pine forest.
For some, it took a while to spot the snake as it blended with pine needles and cones.
“Finally found it,” reads one of more than 135 comments beneath the Facebook post. “I’m rethinking all my playing out in the yard plans.”
The DNR does not identify the snake in a description that provides hints:
“I spy with my wildlife eye a ssslithering critter!
“You can quickly identify this venomous critter by the series of large, black, chevron-like crossbands down its body and the reddish-brown stripe that runs down the center of its back.
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“This critter may actively pursue prey by following scent trails, but more commonly acts as a sit-and-wait predator, ambushing prey at the base of trees or next to fallen logs.”
The snake is fairly easy to spot after a scan of the image, captured by Berkeley Boone.
“While you’re unlikely to find this critter in an urbanized environment, you may encounter it in lowland cane thickets, high areas around swamps and river floodplains, hardwood and pine forests, mountainous areas, and rural habitats in farming areas,” the DNR continued.
“Most individuals are docile when encountered in the wild and will remain coiled or stretched out without moving. They may also rattle their tails as a warning, producing a loud buzzing sound. If provoked, however, they will not hesitate to deliver a serious bite.”
Obviously a rattlesnake, but what type of rattlesnake?
Viewers are asked to click on this link for the answer and to learn more about the species.
