Rat Snake

This picture of a snake was taken at Halyburton park. This snake is difficult to identify, but it is most likely a rat snake (elaphe obsoletus). It was sunning itself on a dirt path hidden within a small forest of long leaf pines (pinus pallustrus) . When I found it, it took shelter behind the branches of several species of shrubs where I was no longer able to reach it. The tangled branches along the sides of the path provide the perfect habitat where the snake can escape potential threats. #uncwecology #uncw

#ecology

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