Mary Allen
Introduction: The Kirtland’s Snake
The Kirtland’s snake, also known as the Kirtland’s water snake, is a small, non-venomous snake that is native to the eastern United States. It is named after Jared P. Kirtland, a physician, naturalist, and professor who discovered the species in the mid-1800s. Unfortunately, the Kirtland’s snake is currently listed as an endangered species due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as other threats.
Habitat: Where Does the Kirtland’s Snake Live?
The Kirtland’s snake is primarily found in wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and bogs. It is also occasionally found in nearby upland areas such as forests and fields. The snake prefers areas with shallow, slow-moving water and plenty of aquatic vegetation for cover. Its range extends from southern Michigan to northern Alabama and Georgia, with isolated populations in other parts of the eastern United States. The Kirtland’s snake is most active during the spring and summer months, when it is mating and foraging for food.