Return of Black Rat Snake

I first posted a pic of the Black Rat Snake in June 2009.  When we saw another one in June of 2010, we wondered if it could be the same one except this one was blind in one eye.   Now, 2 years later, the snake with just one eye was on the flagstone in front of the shed again.  He was rubbing his face against the stones trying to remove some of his dead skin around his head and neck.  While I watched him perform this task, he was able to remove a large piece of dead skin from the top of his head...including a thick mass which was covering his blind eye.   Since he has apparently made a home under the shed, we will have to give him a name.  Please send me your suggestions! 

Skunk

At this time of year we have several skunks come to yard looking of grubs and worms in the lawn.   This one was a bit unusual in his coloring as he is almost all white.

Garter Snake

After a night of rain, I found this snake sitting on top of fern.

The habitat of the garter snake ranges from forests, fields, and prairies to streams, wetlands, meadows, marshes, and ponds, and it is often found near water. It is a semi-aquatic animal like most snakes. It is found at altitudes from sea level to mountain locations. Their diet consists mainly of amphibians and earthworms, but also fish, small birds, and rodents. Garter snakes are effective at catching fast-moving creatures like fish and tadpoles. Animals that eat the Common Garter Snake include large fish (such as bass and catfish), bullfrogs, snapping turtles, larger snakes, hawks, raccoons, foxes, wild turkeys and domestic cats and dogs.

The saliva of a garter snake may be toxic to amphibians and other small animals. For humans, a bite is not dangerous, though it may cause slight itching, burning, and/or swelling. Most garter snakes also secrete a foul-smelling fluid from postanal glands when handled or harmed.

Wild Rabbit

This little guy has been around the yard for a couple of weeks.  He's a good weed eater!!