"THE GOOD, THE BAD & UGLY" - Wandering Garter Snake & Prussian Carp

October 21, 2024  •  1 Comment

"THE GOOD, THE BAD & UGLY"

Wandering Garter Snake & Prussian Carp - 9 Photos

 

Snake versus fish - Assume there are many out there (particularly those who have a fear of snakes) who would rally behind the fish but snakes are often maligned. History has depicted them as evil and slippery; hence the term "slippery as a snake" which means to be devious, scheming and untrustworthy (Photo #1 through Photo #5)

 

But the good in this blog refers to the Wandering Garter Snake, a native species & the bad & ugly, the invasive Prussian Carp, a wild goldfish that was introduced into Alberta in the early 2000's (Photo #6 through Photo #9).  

 

DAY ONE

The Bad & Ugly - The Prussian Carp is a harmful invasive species that invades eco-systems and poses severe threats to aquatic habitats & native fish populations. They can spawn up to 3 times a year & the females can reproduce asexually by using the sperm of other fish species to activate egg development, which is why they have become so prolific in such a short time in Alberta's waterways. 

 

And the Carp were back in the business of spawning, dozens of them, settling into the small pools among the rocks. Where there was no way through, fish jumped up from the gap between the rocks and eventually made their way back down again. Some did try to make futile attempts to re-enter the pond from where they came. One can only hope that their journey downstream to the Bow River through the system of storm ponds & beaver dams would be unsuccessful, perhaps with some help from predators (mink, herons, etc.).  

 

DAY TWO

The Good - The Wandering Garter Snake, is a native Albertan and considered a sensitive species. They consume a variety of prey from slugs, leeches to tadpoles, frogs and small fish, etc. 

 

I was walking on a small grassy footpath next to a creek & as I am a bit of a klutz, I kept a close watch on the path ahead of me. And there he/she was right in the middle of this walk through. At first because of his/her stillness, my heart sank & I thought the snake had expired, but a gentle touch with a small twig brought a flicker of the snake's tongue. So I sat down some distance away and both of us warmed up in the bright sunshine. I assume due to the length of time the snake was willing to bask in the sun, the reptile had been chilled by the 0 degree Celsius temperatures in the morning.

 

Although the trail is not a main path, it is frequented by walkers (some with dogs) and cyclists. I knew that when I left there was a significant chance that the snake could come to harm so I plucked up courage and gently moved the little reptile to a flat rock nestled in the grass and warmed from the sun, less than a couple of feet from the trail but on a small downward slope. Once placed on the rock, the snake slithered away into the surrounding grass. 

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

 


Comments

Urszula(non-registered)
Beautiful snake photos, with glistening skin! I once touch a snake, and the skin was very pleasant to the touch. Silky, not slimy at all.
I hope snakes will help minks to control the prussian carp population.
Best wishes, Susan, and happy Halloween!
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