Our Marshy Friends

 It never fails to excite me when I find a snake on my daily hikes.  I am not one that is afraid of the critters because I understand that they do not go out of their way to do us harm.  Most snake bites occur when a person is aggravating the critter by either intruding on its territory or by trying to kill it.  The snake is acting defensively and biting is its only method of doing so.  So when I find one doing its snaky thing, I would rather sit and watch than try to harm it.

  About halfway down the pier, there is a small wallowed out place that holds a bit of water during high tide.  At low tide, this pool is quite shallow and hundreds of minnows are trapped.  This creates a feeding ground for many other critters.  Shorebirds, raccoons, otters, crabs and snakes all have easy pickings.  Yesterday evening, a small Gulf Saltmarsh Watersnake was feeding on the trapped bull minnows and small mosquito fish.  This little snake visits the area quite often and seems to have no fear of me.  We have a mutual respect for each other. 

  Gulf Saltmarsh Watersnakes are non-venomous snakes that are fish/shrimp feeders.  They are adept at catching their prey but having trapped fish sure makes it easier!  These snakes are federally protected in most areas as their numbers are in decline.  Their decline is due to the disappearance of suitable living areas.  They do not live in fresh water so saltmarshes are their only homes.  The destruction of the marshes along coastlines has greatly reduced the snakes' numbers.  They give live-birth to about ten to fifteen young.  The young are ready to go at birth and Mom does not help them in any way.  The little ones often feed on tiny invertebrates until they can catch minnows.  

  Little Gulf Saltmarsh Watersnake, you can live in peace in the marshes of the Bayou.  Feel free to have lots of little ones here!  It is always good to see you!