July 11, 2014 No rattles, fangs or venom: This snake’s round pupil helps identify it as a nonvenomous western fox snake, Pantherophis vulpinus, a species that is locally common in areas throughout Kane County. Fox Snake I think it’s safe to say, most people in our area can recognize a garter snake. Smallish to medium
Fox Snake, Reptile, Snake
Who doesn’t love having a ball? Well, my friend Suzi, for one. Not that she’s a stick in the mud. Far from it! But the kind of ball we’re talking about isn’t a fun-filled, action-packed afternoon, nor an evening of delightful revelry. Nope, this sort of ball is Python regius, the ball python. Suzi’s story
Ball Python, Reptile, Snake
October 18, 2013 Bo the Boa Constrictor Regular readers of this space may recall the time, 2 ½ years ago, that I arranged to trade a few reptiles from my personal collection for assorted critters that would become display animals at the then yet-to-open Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Using travel carriers and assorted plastic crates,
Boa Constrictor, Reptile, Snake
October 4, 2013 Water Snakes Holy Nerodia, Batman! The water snakes are everywhere! Okay, maybe “everywhere” is an exaggeration. But “everywhere there’s water” isn’t. Nerodia sipedon sipedon, the northern water snake, has been particularly prevalent this fall, with people up and down the Fox River (and its tributaries) reporting sightings of this medium-sized, blotchy-brown snake.
Reptile, Snake, Watersnakes
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District July 12, 2012 Except for one time, 25 years ago, when I found myself eating ice cream in a supermarket with Prince Andrew and his then-wife Sarah, the Duchess of York, my brushes with
Queen Snake, Reptile, Snake
Pam’s Perspective From the… Pam Otto is the Manager of Natural Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District November 30, 2012 Well, it happened again. Without even trying, we’ve managed to add yet another live animal to the displays at the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Some of you may remember the story
Reptile, Snake, Visitor