ryount's Identifications

Large juvenile female observed foraging in mulch pile. TL: ~18". I have seen others here. See: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/62146648. The substrate pictured here is deer hair from hide processing. The rest of the mulch pile is wood shavings from cleaning rodent cages. Note species distinctive blotches on neck. Imaged only. GTS 4321.

The second image was upon release. I was able to pick this snake up without it playing dead with brief but careful handling - which is also a plus for taking decent pictures. The first image is as found.

Adult, as prey to a Texas Indigo Snake. Observed by James Yount while fishing.

ID of prey from strong lateral patterning and variable ventral blotching. Ventral patterning of N. rhombifer from Pope, 1937 (Snakes Alive and How They Live, not in color).

Large juvenile female found freshly DOR on Ten West Drive. TL: 25 3/4"; tail: 6 1/2". GTS 4313, TNHC FS 0769. See US quarter dollar coin for size comparison.

Third image shows the head and fore leg of a partially digested Little Brown Skink (Scincella lateralis). The head is pointed to the left, dorsal surface showing in the image. Other parts of what appears to be the same lizard observed (section of tail, leg), likely ingested about one day or so previous. The snake was crushed in the vicinity of the stomach area with viscera extruded from being run over by vehicular traffic (appears be perhaps only once or twice). Measure in the third image in cm.

Cold front due tomorrow but several days previous were warm. Early annual activity in this species (with evidence of feeding)?

Last image during museum prep following formalin fix and tagging.

Young adult female observed actively moving away from excavation area for construction on this property. Slow movement due to colder prevailing temps over the previous days. 55 degrees F. Imaged only. GTS 4305.

Measurements: TL: 7.75” (19.69 cm.), Head/body: 3.25 in. (8.26 cm.)

Mass: 1.03 oz. (29 g.)

Adult male crossing roadway following light rain earlier in day. Adjacent stream bed dry. Old healed injury to snout. Missing front right foot. Otherwise healthy. Carapace length approx. 3.5" Imaged only. GTS 4303.