Travel Challenge Answer June 2008
A great big thanks to everyone who submitted a guess to this month’s Travel Challenge.
The critter in question was a Valley Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi), a subspecies of the Common Garter Snake. Known for their fondness of water, Valley Garter Snakes are excellent swimmers who hide in the water for safety. They primarily feed on amphibians, fish, birds, and eggs.
We found this snake, and several others of the same species, in a marshy area near Crane Prairie Reservoir in the Cascade Range of Oregon.
Kudos to Tiffany and Alison for finding the critter in the photo, and realizing it was a type of Garter Snake. Garter Snake identification is rather difficult, since there are many subspecies and nomenclature issues.
Revealed photo
(Click photo for larger version.)
Snake swimming
Darn! Valley gartersnake was my second choice. Snakes are sure tough to identify.
Hi Alison,
We were totally impressed that you came that close! The only reason we figured it out is because we had the advantage of knowing where the snake was that day. Location, location, location…
Thanks for playing!