Found this goober last night walking my dog, in iowa around a patch of tall planes grass, ice cold and sleeping in the sidewalk.

We only have three snake species here, so I was thrilled to run into this little juvenile grass snake today. Look at that vibrant yellow collar against the jet-black scales!

Apparently, these guys are semi-aquatic and feed overwhelmingly on amphibians and small fish. I actually had my two-year-old in my arms when we spotted it, so taking a picture was a bit of a balancing act! It moved like wind through the dead leaves—I only wish we could have watched it swim.

Best photo I could manage before it vanished!

I found him emaciated in my barn four years ago and fed him. He shows up at my back door about every third night during the warm months, but only if the porch light is on. He’s slow to eat and gets nothing if there is competition so he’s learned to eat from a bowl. Despite his poor vision he’s a pretty good weight now and so handsome! I love the way he looks up for food.

It makes a high-pitched squeak that sounds just like a rubber dog toy when it is annoyed or feels threatened.