Quick backyard flip - Virginia striatula

Just a quick little video showing some cool little snakes that I've been finding fairly regularly around my yard in downtown Ft. Smith, Arkansas.
These three were flipped under a small line of tin signs and plywood pieces I have in a small overgrown area lining the alley behind my house.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• rough
• earth
• snakes
• reptiles
• reptile
• snake
• herp
• herping
• flipping
• roadcruising
• virginia
• striatual

[reptilesandhorses101]

WOAH how often do you check them i never see any in florida. I put out tin and wood and check every now and then but i NEVER see a thing! Can you help me?

[michaelrayspencer]

@reptilesandhorses101 I found stuff under these signs weekly. I've laid out quite a few productive boardlines over the years so hopefully I can help you out a bit.

Where are you putting them? Is there actual habitat where you have seen snake activity before?

[reptilesandhorses101]

@michaelrayspencer I put them in a little forested area. Would you like me to make a video showing were i have the boards thanks for the help!

[michaelrayspencer]

@reptilesandhorses101 As long as there are snakes in the area they should produce at some point. When I'm putting out new boardlines or tinsites, I like to focus on specific areas. One of the main factors is having them where they will get some sun. I usually put some in full sun and some in the transition area that receives more dappled sunlight. Transition zones between habitats are great places as well. Forest edges, the bottom of small hills, grasslines, etc.

[michaelrayspencer]

@reptilesandhorses101 One huge factor is to let them season for a while. I usually place my boards in fall or early winter and don't check them at all until at least spring. That gives them time for rodents to take refuge and for them to establish their own 'microhabitat' underneath them, which really helps draw in the snakes. They use boards and tin for multiple reasons, with thermoregulation being a huge factor. They also attract rodents which in turn help attract snakes.

[michaelrayspencer]

@reptilesandhorses101 Hope these tips help, and feel free to get a hold of me if you have any other questions. Good luck!

[reptilesandhorses101]

@michaelrayspencer Thanks!!

[michaelrayspencer]

@despeleta Yes sir!

[despeleta]

backyard snakes rock!!!