Why Count Snakes – Reason #1: It is fun!

Why count snakes during the Center for Snake Conservation’s Spring Snake Count?

The Snake Count starts May 18, 2013 and I am writing a short blog post each evening to get us excited about it.  Each post will contain a reason to get outdoors and count snakes.  You can sign up and learn more about the Snake Count at http://www.snakecount.org.

Reason #1:  Counting snakes is fun!  Trust me.  It is a lot of fun!  Getting out and flipping rocks, looking in holes, and looking in bushes for snakes is like unwrapping presents – you never know what you are going to get until you find it.  The thrill of spotting a snake is a just that – a thrill.  It is exhilarating and fun to spot a snake before anyone else or in a place least expected.  It may be a greensnake in a bush that your group of friends all walked right by and you found it.  It may be a rattlesnake that let you know of its presence with its rattle before you even saw it.  It may be a watersnake high in a bush about to plunge into the creek below if you get too close.  SPOTTING SNAKES IS FUN!  Don’t believe me?  Get out and try it.  The challenge alone is fun and exciting but when you spot a snake you will be forever hooked.

Below are a few examples of snake spottings from previous outings – enjoy and have fun spotting snakes.

Rough Greensnake in a bush – Photo by Cameron Young

Prairie Rattlesnake in grass – Photo by Cameron Young

Brown Watersnake in a tree – Photo by Mandy Johnson

Cameron Young is the Executive Director of the Center for Snake Conservation.  Cameron has a rarely matched passion for snakes in the field and brings his experience and knowledge to all people who are willing to listen.  To learn more about Cameron, please visit http://www.snakeconservation.org/board-members/cameron-young