Common Garter Snake

The Common Garter Snake is one of the most common and easily recognized snakes in North America.  Most have a pattern of yellow stripes on a brown or green background and grow to an average length of twenty inches.  They are found in a wide range of habitats and elevations from woodlands to prairies, most often near water, feeding on small amphibians, fish, earthworms and rodents.  Alternatively, they are a food source for birds of prey, foxes, raccoons, large fish, bullfrogs, snapping turtles and larger snakes.

In early spring, the males emerge first to be ready when the females wake up.  There are far larger numbers of males, and that is why they form “mating balls” where two females may be swamped with up to ten males vying for the opportunity to reproduce.  Between twelve to forty young are born between July and October.

The bite of this snake is non-venomous to humans, but may cause slight burning and itching and swelling.  In addition to their camouflage, the Common Garter Snake may secrete a foul-smelling odour from glands when handled or harmed.

Ruffed Grouse

A year round resident across Canada and the northern US states, the ruffed grouse is a large, thick bodied chicken sized bird with a rounded tail and a small crest on the head.     Most often found in mixed forests with small clearings, they are very difficult to see due to its colouration and slow walk.   The usual startling experience people have with this bird is when the ruffed grouse explodes off the forest floor in a flurry of wingbeats.

A familiar sound in forests, males drum with their wings, producing a deep thumping sound that increases in tempo to attract mates.  Nests are typically a bowl-like depression on the ground of bead leaves and plant material, usually found at the base of a tree, stump or boulder.  Females raise the young hatchlings alone, which leave the nest within the first day of hatching and immediately feed themselves.  The Ruffed Grouse diet consists of buds, leaves, ferns, soft fruits and some insects.

In winter, this bird may dive into the soft snow to spend the night.  Additionally, the sides of their toes grow projections in winter, making them appear like combs.  These projections are believed to act like snowshoes to enable the bird to walk across snow.