Runge Nature Center
Whenever I walk this area I can get a 3 mile workout in. I double back on one section to accomplish this. While visiting this area you might run into the resident flock of Wild- Turkeys, lots of birds, squirrels, and even a Black Snake. There are numerous trees some really large and old, and even a fire tower which you can climb.
Black Snake
OK I must admit I jumped about two feet when I saw this guy/gal out of my peripheral vision. Once I realize it was not threat I could not leave without its portrait.
Black rat snakes are large non-venomous snakes between 3.5 and 7 feet (one and two meters) long. They have shiny black scales on their back and a light colored belly, and their throat and chin are white. The head of a black rat snake is wider than the neck and the rest of the body.
Black rat snakes are excellent swimmers and climbers. They will use these skills to catch a variety of food, from bird eggs to frogs. They are the snake most likely to be seen around buildings hunting for rodents, amphibians, and young birds. Black rat snakes are constrictor snakes and will use their body to suffocate their prey.
The black rat snake’s population is considered stable. However, these snakes are often mistreated by humans who are frightened of them. Although black rat snakes do not usually attack when threatened, there have been extreme cases of black rat snakes charging at predators. Despite making occasional appearances throughout the summer, black rat snakes are actually very shy and at the sight of danger will either freeze or slither away. Black rat snakes also produce a strong foul odor when scared to deter predators and humans.
