Steve Sanford
Well-known member
Good morning, All~
Yesterday I spent some time moving a bunch of Water Lilies and Arrowheads from a friend's lake to our frog pond right behind the house. Whilst taking a break with my wife in some shade nearby, we heard an unusual sound from one of our resident Green Frogs. Susan's closer investigation revealed the early chapters of a natural drama - involving one very large Garter Snake. I am still not sure which was the protagonist.
[definitely CLICK to enlarge!]
View attachment Garter Snake with Green Frog - captured.jpg
Ol' Mister Green Frog was almost 4 inches long (snout-vent length for you herpetophiles). I fully expected this robust amphibian to make his escape from the maw of the determined reptile....
'twas not to be. About 20 minutes later the denouement was obvious.
View attachment Garter Snake with Green Frog - penultimate cropped.JPG
I wanted one more photo - with a bit crisper focus - but I clumsily dislodged a rock and caused the serpent to retreat into his lair.
In any event, we have now learned the distress cry of Lithobates (was Rana when I learned it....) clamitans.
Let's be careful out there!
SJS
Yesterday I spent some time moving a bunch of Water Lilies and Arrowheads from a friend's lake to our frog pond right behind the house. Whilst taking a break with my wife in some shade nearby, we heard an unusual sound from one of our resident Green Frogs. Susan's closer investigation revealed the early chapters of a natural drama - involving one very large Garter Snake. I am still not sure which was the protagonist.
[definitely CLICK to enlarge!]
View attachment Garter Snake with Green Frog - captured.jpg
Ol' Mister Green Frog was almost 4 inches long (snout-vent length for you herpetophiles). I fully expected this robust amphibian to make his escape from the maw of the determined reptile....
'twas not to be. About 20 minutes later the denouement was obvious.
View attachment Garter Snake with Green Frog - penultimate cropped.JPG
I wanted one more photo - with a bit crisper focus - but I clumsily dislodged a rock and caused the serpent to retreat into his lair.
In any event, we have now learned the distress cry of Lithobates (was Rana when I learned it....) clamitans.
Let's be careful out there!
SJS