Unexpected Encounters: The Snakes of Our Homestead

 

Eastern Garter Snake

When I was a kid, my summers were spent in a nearby field, where my friends and I rode our bikes down what we thought was a massive dirt hill (though, looking back, it was probably quite small). That same field was also home to frogs and snakes—creatures that always fascinated me.

Fast forward to today, and I never expected our 10-acre property to bring me face-to-face with so many different snakes. Coming from the city, I was used to seeing only Eastern Garter Snakes. I had no idea how many species actually call Michigan home.

Surprising Encounters in the Wild

Brown Snake

One day, while walking down our sandy path toward the back of our property—a favorite pastime of mine—I glanced up at the trees, then down at the ground. Just as I was about to step, I noticed a twig… move. Or so I thought. A second look revealed a brown snake basking in the sun. The moment I disturbed it, it slithered into the forest.

Smooth Green Snake

Another unexpected guest appeared while we were repairing bricks around our home’s foundation. A bright green head poked out from a hole—a Smooth Green Snake. I was surprised at its size, but considering it had likely been living under our house, it must have been eating well. As it slithered out, we took the opportunity to fix the broken bricks.

A Memorable Encounter

Eastern Hognose

One of the most striking snakes we’ve come across was an Eastern Hognose. If you’ve never seen one, they have a dramatic defense mechanism—puffing out their necks like a cobra. Their markings even resemble a rattlesnake, making the encounter a bit startling at first. This was the only time we’ve seen one, but it left a lasting impression!

Respecting Nature

While we enjoy observing these beautiful reptiles, we never handle them. There’s no need to interfere—we simply give them space. If a snake is in a dangerous spot, we’ll gently nudge it toward safety with a stick, ensuring it finds its way back into the forest.

What about you? Have you encountered any interesting snakes? Which one from our homestead would you find most fascinating?