There are many more nonvenomous snakes in our region than venomous species. In fact, about 12 species could be found here. If you wish to seek out some snakes, the best method is to take a walk and lift up some discarded boards, sheets of metal or other flat objects under which snakes may hide.

These offer protection from avian predators such as hawks, and in hot weather offer a cooler spot to lower their body temperature. Remember, snakes' body temperatures are determined by the outside temperatures.One key identifying trait of all nonvenomous snakes is their round pupils. Today I'll focus on three.Very secretive and seldom seen is the common northern ringneck snake.As its name implies, it has a yellowish ring around its neck, with a black back and grayish sides.They may attain 2 feet in length, but of the dozens I have found, most barely reached 15 inches. Each of those was thinner than a pencil.Look for them under objects because they seldom move about in the daytime. They eat salamanders, slugs and insects. I have handled most that I have found and never had one even attempt to open its mouth to bite.Frankly, I don't know if their mouth is capable of biting into a finger. Look for them in wooded rather than field areas.The garter snakeis probably the most commonly seen snake. They are found throughout Pennsylvania and are more active during the day. You may observe one basking on or in a stone wall or disturb them while mowing your lawn.They can be found by lifting objects they crawl under to hide. They are greenish to blackish in color with three tan/yellowish stripes and reach about 27 inches in length. They are more robust than the ringneck.Like a rattlesnake, they bear live young; sometimes dozens at a time. Most are food for other animals, but obviously enough survive to breed and replenish their numbers. Earthworms are favored foods, but as they mature they'll add mice, frogs or toads to their diet. Lawn mowing and hawks limit the number of garter snakes.The northern water snakeis common around ponds, lakes and streams. Its prey includes minnows, frogs and small fish.You may find one looped on branches overhanging a stream, or in most cases, you'll see their head coursing across the water surface,leaving a small wake behind. In lakes or ponds holding bass or muskellunge, the water snakes may become food as well.My father and I many years ago conducted a post mortem dissection to find out what caused the bulge in two snakes he had killed. One held an 11-inch sucker and one a 9-inch brown trout. They have the nastiest disposition of any snake I have encountered. They hiss and strike at you and cause a painful bite.They normally don't deplete a stream's fish population, however when a long dry period in summer reduces water levels in small streams, the fish have a tendency to "pool up" in deeper parts of a stream. This increases the water snake's success and they can take a toll on small trout or creek chubs.Test your knowledge: Which of these snake species constricts its prey before swallowing it? A. Garter snake, B. Copperhead, C. Black rat snake, D. All of thesePrevious quiz answer: Even though it is a canine, the gray fox is an excellent climber, however, A. the red fox is not.Contact Barry Reed at

breed71@gmail.com.