Hobbies And Interests
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
Northern Indiana has just one poisonous snake, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, which is extremely rare. It lives in the wetlands in places that people do not often frequent and only a few of these snakes are spotted every year. It is one of Indiana's four venomous snakes and is a member of the pit viper family. These vipers have pits found between their nostril and ear on either side of the head. The pits serve a sensory function in that they detect heat and help the snake find prey.
Eastern Milk Snake
The eastern milk snake, also known as Lampropeltis t. triangulum, is found in northern Indiana as well as throughout the rest of the state. It has a Y-shaped marking at the back of its head and a slender body. There are rust- or reddish-colored blotches on the back of the snake and smaller blotches on the sides. The color in between the blotches is either tan or a light gray. It feeds primarily on small rodents, birds, eggs, snakes and lizards. It is most commonly found in meadows and rocky hillsides, hiding under logs or rocks. Eggs are laid in June and the adult snake can reach up to 36 inches in length.
Northern Watersnake
As its name suggests, this snake is found in the northern half of Indiana and its habitat is aquatic. This means that it can be found in any body of water from lakes, streams and rivers to swamps and ditches. Its official name is Nerodia sipedon and it feeds primarily on fish, although it will deign to dine on amphibians as well as smaller mammals and birds. Females reach maturity at age three and young are born live in August through September. The northern watersnake is active both in the day and at night. It is not poisonous and can live up to 12 years.
Eastern Hognose Snake
This snake is often mistaken for a venomous snake because of its broad head. It has a distinctive upturned snout and can be brown, black, gray or olive in color. It might be a single color, or can have patterns of spots and blotches. The hognose is known for its bizarre behavior when it feels threatened. This behavior includes inflating the skin around its head and hissing loudly while striking at the enemy with its mouth closed. If these antics are not enough to get rid of a predator, the snake rolls over and plays dead with its mouth wide open. To add to this effect, the snake leaves its tongue hanging out and can also give off a foul smell. It feeds most commonly on salamanders and toads.