Queen Snake
Warming in the sun in willow bushes on the edge of White River.

This very specialized snake is vulnerable to various forms of pollution and habitat alteration and is now scarce or absent in many Great Lakes area streams that once harbored healthy populations. Siltation from urban or agricultural runoff may reduce or eliminate the crayfish on which Queen Snakes depend. A preference for narrow streamside habitats makes these snakes particularly vulnerable to direct human persecution, and they are often killed by fisherman who erroneously believe that they consume game fish. Ref: Michigan Society of Herpetologists

White River

Muskegon County, MI

(c) 2009 Jerry Grady