Diario del proyecto Reptiles of Walton County, Georgia

© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 81637604

Working for animal control gives me the opportunity to rescue snakes outside of peoples' houses before they chop them into pieces in a mad fury of hysteria. We try to calm the callers and tell them to just keep an eye on it until an officer arrives. If they insist on killing it, I explain that most people are bitten by snakes when trying to capture or kill them.

This particular Ratsnake found its way into the kitchen at a Loganville, Georgia residence. As usual, it was feisty when first approached, but calmed down in the hand once "out of hot water!"

© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 81637604

Walton County, Georgia. June 3, 2021

• Overcast 81°F
• Sunrise 6:24 am; Sunset 8:41 pm
• Daylight Hours: 14 hours, 17 minutes (+48s)
• Moon: 33.9% Waning Crescent

© Photographer: William Wise Photography | iNat Observation: 80483931

Walton County, Georgia - Somehow this beast got into a fenced yard and was giving a couple of dogs a run for their money! The homeowner called animal control and our agency went to remove him. His aggression was as big as his shell (carapace), which measured a full twelve inches. Being one of the biggest Snapping Turtles I've seen in a while, I had to get a weight. The puppy scale from the shelter showed it was nearly sixteen pounds!

© Photographer: William Wise Photography | iNat Observation: 80483931

Spring has arrived! It is one of my favorite seasons, not because of the change in weather, but because of the emergence of our reptilian neighbors. I’d been waiting for our first animal control snake call to come over the radio from 911, ready to spring into action.

© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 74289588

Toward the end of March, it came. “Meet complainant in Loganville reference six foot snake in the garage.” Upon arrival, I was met by a gentleman that signaled me toward his neighbor’s house with a greeting of, “I think it’s a King Snake!” My excitement level was raised at the prospect.

Entering the garage, an elderly gentleman and his wife pointed toward a five-gallon bucket in the corning. Wrapped around the edge was a nice Eastern Ratsnake. Hanging down from my hand, the homeowner took a photo and heaped all sorts of blessings upon me and my family. It was probably just over four-feet long.
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Eastern Ratsnakes are the most common snakes I pick up on animal control calls. This caller’s home was surrounded by beautiful woods and natural landscaping. No wonder this Ratsnake wanted to live there! We have a brief photo session before releasing him to a less inhabited area. ​

Friday, March 26, 2021. Walton County, Georgia.

• Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80.
• Sunrise 7:30 am; Sunset 7:51
• Daylight Hours: 12 hours, 21 minutes (+2m 6s)
• Moon: 94.7% Waxing Gibbous